According to the survey, 90 per cent of participants said they enjoyed food most when relaxing in front of the telly, compared to other places, such as the kitchen
New research into the nation’s snacking habits has revealed the sofa to be place Brits enjoy eating most.
According to the survey, 90 per cent of participants said they enjoyed food most when relaxing in front of the telly, compared to other places, such as the kitchen (29 per cent), alone in their car (30 per cent), or sitting at their desk (26 per cent).
In fact, eight in ten (81 percent) believe that food tastes better in places that bring us comfort and joy.
And leading UK scientist Charles Spence, from Oxford University, who was involved in the study, says there is a reason why.
“When we eat something that we really enjoy, our brain releases the feel-good chemical, dopamine.
“At the same time, our circumstances also play a significant role in how our brains perceive taste, and the research has shown that everything tastes better when we are in a good mood. For example, lying alone on a comfy sofa when your to-do list is done makes food tastier, while being stressed can change that significantly.
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“While we can’t literally taste the atmosphere, eating in a place that’s set up to our preferences can alter the taste of food by 15-20%. Studies have proved that everything from the colour and brightness of the lighting, the temperature of the room, the softness of the sofa we are sitting on, or even the feel of the clothes we are wearing affects both the taste of food and our enjoyment of a snacking experience.
And the perfect sofa snacks, for ultimate happiness, were revealed as chocolate (64 percent), cheese and onion crisps (36 percent), chocolate biscuits (35 percent) and ready salted crisps (32 percent) according to the poll.
Nuts (24 percent), crackers and cheese (24 percent) and cheese on toast (24 percent) are also optimum foods to enjoy while on the sofa, as is take-away pizza (19 per cent).
When it comes to the perfect setting for optimum snacking enjoyment, according to the study by milkshake makers Shaken Udder , being home alone (39 percent) is a must, along with wearing your pyjamas (29 percent).
Knowing you have nothing to do for hours (29 percent), sitting under a blanket (23 percent) and having a selection of nibbles to choose from (22 percent) also creates the perfect backdrop to tucking into a mouthful.
Dramatic (28 percent) or comedic (27 percent) films are considered to be the best entertainment to eat your snacks during, while having the curtains closed (19 percent), being with friends (18 percent) and silence (14 percent) help to set the mood.
One in four (25 percent) can’t relax unless the house is tidy.
The majority of Brits (54 percent) have a sweet tooth, while 46 percent always opt for a savoury bite.
Charles comments: “While many of us like to snack alone as a moment of me-time, the old adage ‘sharing is caring’ does ring true as eating with our favourite people can make the experience more enjoyable. Research shows that social bonding can reduce stress and make food taste better.”
It seems we’re a proud nation of snackers, with 90 percent of Brits giving themselves that title.
A Shaken Udder spokesperson commented on the findings: ‘One thing we can all agree on is that snacks taste best when life feels good. From grabbing a pick-me-up at 3pm, to sharing something tasty with your best mate, the atmosphere is just as important as the food.”
