50 ways to tell if you're a real food enthusiast

28 May 2024 , 13:11

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41% of Brits are self-confessed foodies (Image: © SWNS)

Can you pronounce quinoa correctly? Have you any idea how to cook jackfruit? Know what is meant by to coddle something? If you think you can spot a Michelin-star meal when you eat one, why not put your money where your mouth is and give this quiz a try?

A recent study of 2,000 adults revealed that a whopping 41% consider themselves food enthusiasts. Natalie Allen, a spokesperson for salad brand Florette, which commissioned the research to launch its Gourmet Slaws range, commented: "The term 'foodie' has been more widely used in recent years."

"People make plans around which restaurants they are going to, often several weeks in advance and love to share their meals, recipes, reviews and general thoughts on food on social media platforms."

"Cuisine brings so much joy. When we think of special occasions such as birthdays and weddings or even holidays, the majority of them have an enjoyment of food at the heart of them."

"Dishes from around the world have progressively been integrated into our diet in the UK as we have become more inquisitive, experimental and so willing to try different and more "exotic" options."

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The research also pinpointed the top 50 signs that someone is a foodie including having the kitchen as a favourite room in the house and planning holidays around food. Knowing how to make pasta from scratch, actually using the cookbooks they own and having over 30 spices in the cupboard. Owning a set of chef-worthy knives, obsessively reading food blogs, knowing where different cuts of meat come from, eating seasonal produce and hosting dinner parties are further traits.

In addition to a love for Michelin-star dining, the survey revealed that Brits also enjoy exploring independent restaurants and attending food festivals.

The poll showed that seven out of 10 respondents are passionate about supporting the UK's food and drink industry. Consequently, 58% of those surveyed try to dine in independent restaurants whenever possible, citing better tasting food (42%) and an authentic experience (36%) as their reasons.

Foodies like to share photos of their meals on Social Media (Getty Images - Alexandr Spatari)

The study also found that adults typically eat out twice a month, spending an average of £40 on food and drinks. When it comes to trying new dishes, 55% of diners experiment with different meals each time they eat out, while 18% prefer to stick to their favourite dishes.

Interestingly, six out of 10 respondents claimed to be adventurous with food, and 24% said they would travel hundreds of miles for the 'perfect' meal.

For 34% of those polled, dining at high-end restaurants is their idea of fun, while 45% enjoy learning about new ingredients and dishes. The top benefits of eating out were identified as the satisfaction of enjoying a good meal (25%), not having to cook (24%), and trying new foods (15%).

Over a fifth (23%) of respondents even have a list of restaurants they want to visit, and 29% have a wish list of countries they'd like to travel to specifically for the cuisine.

As for cooking skills, 41% rated their ability as 'average', 38% considered themselves 'good', and a confident 7% described their culinary prowess as 'excellent'.

However, despite many individuals considering themselves as fanciers of food, a OnePoll survey revealed that 29% are actually not keen on the label 'foodie', finding it to be pretentious (66%) and elitist (18%).

A spokesperson for Florette's Gourmet Slaws, Natalie Allen, which draws inspiration from the tantalising delights of Korea, China, and India, shared: "With summer fast approaching it's likely social gatherings will revolve around food even more, from barbeques to al fresco lunches and late evening dining as the sun sets."

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The top 50 indications that you're truly passionate about your munch:

1. The kitchen is your favourite room in the house.
2. You actually use the cookbooks you own.
3. You go on holiday for the food.
4. You don't rely on recipes to make meals.
5. You know where different cuts of meat come from.
6. You make your own stock.
7. You have a knowledge of food history.
8. You avoid ready meals or readymade sauces.
9. You know which wine goes with particular meals.
10. You own a set of fancy 'chef-worthy' knives.
11. You have in excess of 30 spices in your cupboard.
12. You know how to make pasta from scratch.
13. You read food blogs and websites obsessively.
14. You know how to remove the bones from a fish.
15. You have hosted a dinner party, where you prepped the food.
16. You know precisely how long to cook a steak depending on preference.
17. You can chop food really quickly like they do on TV.
18. You know when foods are 'in season'.
19. You have a collection of five or more different oils in your kitchen cupboard.
20. You've had the pleasure of dining in several Michelin-star restaurants.
21. You've penned your own unique recipes.
22. You actively seek out independent eateries.
23. You've attended a food festival.
24. Friends and family turn to you for restaurant recommendations.
25. You prioritise shopping for organic and locally produced food items when possible.
26. You're skilled at making homemade pizzas, including the dough.
27. You're aware of the optimal temperatures at which different cheeses should be enjoyed.
28. A pestle and mortar is part of your kitchen equipment.
29. You prepare your work lunch from fresh ingredients.
30. You've imported rare food items not commonly found in the UK from overseas.
31. You know the ideal temperatures at which different wines should be served.
32. You can identify the exact moment when food is al dente.
33. Your social media follows include multiple food-oriented accounts.
34. You're proficient in the art of flambeing.
35. You have a particular fondness for street food.
36. You can cook rice without it turning soggy.
37. You understand the difference between sushi and sashimi.
38. You're capable of whipping up eggs benedict.
39. You're familiar with the term 'a la carte'.
40. You understand what it means 'to coddle something'.
41. You're knowledgeable about consomme.
42. You can prepare coulis.
43. You know what constitutes an aperitif.
44. You're adept at tossing a salad correctly.
45. Dining out is a weekly occurrence for you.
46. You're comfortable using chopsticks.
47. You wouldn't balk at the offer of snails or frog legs.
48. You can pronounce 'quinoa' correctly.
49. You're familiar with what crudites are.
50. You have a pizza stone in your kitchen.

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