Lazy man having pizza for lunch at his work office desk

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NEW YORK — When it comes to food, America’s love affair with their favorite snacks is truly unmatched. A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults finds that more than half love food so much they would marry their favorite food if it was a person. Meanwhile, only one in three describe their actual romantic love life as “spicy” and “juicy,” and one in four actually describe theirs as “bitter” and “bland!”

When presented with the statement, “I’d do anything to enjoy my favorite foods,” 54 percent of Americans agreed. Some would willingly subject themselves to their worst fears like public speaking (27%), thunder and lightning (26%), heights (25%), and spiders or insects (25%) if it meant free, unlimited access to their favorite food.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of TUMS, the survey also found that more than half of Americans would be willing to give up valuable pieces of their lifestyle if it meant free and unlimited access to their favorite food. This includes sacrificing vacation days or social media, while some would attempt wild stunts, such as skydiving (29%) or running with the bulls (27%).

What foods are people in love with?

Overall, more than half the poll (52%) say they love food more than anything. The top foods that hold a special place in people’s hearts include pizza (59%), cheese (55%), fried chicken (55%), and pasta (55%). Americans’ love for food knows no bounds, with many going above and beyond to enjoy their favorite meals.

One in three admit to stealing food that wasn’t theirs from the office refrigerator because it looked too delicious to pass up. Interestingly, women are the most likely offenders (34%). Even more, one in five have resorted to picking a food they love out of the trash can.

Although 47 percent agree that heartburn stops them from enjoying certain foods, nearly two in three (63%) agree that experiencing the worst heartburn of their lives would be worth it to eat their favorite foods. This rings especially true among 70 percent of millennial (26–41) and Gen Z (18–25) respondents.

“Many of Americans’ most-loved foods, like pizza, fried chicken and meatballs and spaghetti can unfortunately lead to heartburn,” says Amy Sharon, Brand Director for TUMS, in a statement. “But with a trusty mealtime companion that provides fast relief, heartburn sufferers can dive in and love their favorite foods back.”

On average, respondents would be willing to pay as much as $437 to enjoy an unlimited amount of their favorite food for a month. They’d also travel an average of 254 miles to eat it. Additionally, 62 percent noted that they enjoy trying new and diverse cuisines as well.

Americans Love Food

About Chris Melore

Chris Melore has been a writer, researcher, editor, and producer in the New York-area since 2006. He won a local Emmy award for his work in sports television in 2011. A former Editor for StudyFinds, Chris now serves as Assistant Science Editor for the DailyMail (U.S.)

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1 Comment

  1. Sam Roberts says:

    Very interesting article! I’ve just across a similar piece focusing on office fridge theft in the UK specifically, with 27% of UK workers having had their lunch stolen from the office fridge.

    Not a million miles away from the 1 in 3 statistic you mention Chris, so maybe some cultural connection? I’d be curious to know how it stacks up in other parts of the world.

    There’s lots more interesting statistics relating to office theft, too.

    https://connectvending.co.uk/blog/office-fridges-the-wild-west-of-the-workplace/