It’s getting colder, darker and Christmas is a long way off. This is the time of year when comfort food comes into its own.
A poll of 2,000 adults, carried out on OnePoll.com, found almost eight in ten people turn to their favourite meals when they need a little pick me up.
The simple and convenient pizza is the top choice.
The British classic of fish and chips came second followed by a bacon sandwich, a full English and burger and chips.
Roast dinners, scrambled eggs on toast and pasta are also popular dishes to turn to in times of worry or stress.
Bust stress with comfort food
The study also found the average adult turns to comfort food twice a week, with ‘stress’ the most common reason.
Feeling down came second while cold or wet weather, worries and anxiety and tiredness also sees people tucking into their favourite comfort food.
But while a staggering 94 per cent want something simple when seeking comfort from a meal, more than two thirds choose something which reminds them of their childhood.
The research was carried out for Clarence Court, a company that provides top notch, free range eggs to many prominent restaurants.
Childhood memories
Adrian Gott, Managing Director of Clarence Court says, ‘Today we’re more focussed than ever on health and wellbeing, but that doesn’t mean we don’t crave a comforting meal reminiscent of our childhood.
‘Eggs provide the perfect solution, as they’re both high in protein but also easy to prepare– with dippy eggs and soldiers a national favourite.’
Psychotherapist, Christine Webber explains: ‘Simple meals which transport us back to childhood can really cheer us up, and help remind us of less complicated times.’
Top 20 comfort foods
Pizza
Fish and chips
Bacon sandwich
Full English breakfast
Burger & chips
Roast dinner
Beans on toast
Bangers and mash
Pasta dish
Scrambled eggs on toast
Macaroni and cheese
Shepherd’s/Cottage pie
Beef stew and dumplings
Dippy eggs and soldiers
Jacket potato
Ham egg and chips
Toad-in-the-hole
Egg mayonnaise sandwich
Poached egg and avocado on toast
Curry