A new study has found that more than eight in ten couples argue about food choices, leading to over 100 rows per year. The poll of 2,000 people in relationships revealed that 81% of couples disagree on food choices with their partner.
Among those who have food-related disagreements, 21% said they can escalate into full-blown arguments. To avoid conflict, 30% prefer to simply eat different meals from their partner. One in ten fail to agree on what to eat as a couple more often than not, resulting in teatime tensions.
Home Cooking vs. Eating Out
The study found that 35% of couples have more disagreements about what to eat when cooking at home, whereas 22% said eating out or getting a takeaway presents the biggest tension. This suggests that the setting plays a significant role in meal-related disputes.
If not with their current partner, 24% said they would not consider dating someone with different dietary requirements, such as veganism. The OnePoll.com study also found that more than three in ten (32%) said meal planning would help make it easier to decide what to eat.
Compromise and Secret Orders
Men compromise more than women on what they want to accommodate the other partner (27% vs 20%). However, 20% of men said their partner has the final say on what they eat, and 16% of women said they give the seal of approval. Additionally, 15% have secretly ordered a preferred meal behind their partner's back to avoid another row.
The most important aspect of choosing what to eat is taste, according to 43% of respondents. Meanwhile, 30% said more options would be the key to agreeing on what to eat.
Doritos Loaded Month Promotion
A spokesperson for Doritos, which commissioned the research as part of Doritos Loaded Month ending on Sunday, 28 June, commented: “Everyone has those moments where they can't decide what they're in the mood for. One person wants one thing, someone else wants something completely different and it can be hard to find the middle ground when you are battling feelings of hanger.”
The spokesperson added: “Food is the highlight for many people’s nights, it’s the moment you can switch off and relax after a long day so it’s no wonder people feel so passionately about what they tuck into.”
With Doritos Loaded Month ending this Sunday, couples can settle the dinner debate by visiting participating vendors at locations including Camden Market in London, Barras Market in Glasgow, and Freight Island in Manchester. By bringing any size or flavor bag of Doritos to over 200 food spots nationwide, couples can have it transformed into a fully loaded, flavor-packed dish from just £5.
