Aldi has unveiled the first-ever Great British Gravy Map, revealing distinct regional 'gravy personalities' across the UK. The map identifies five intensity levels, from a pale, delicate pour to a thick, dark sauce.
Regional Preferences Mapped
Londoners prefer level one, a pale cream or light golden tan. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland favour level two, a classic, smooth warm amber finish. The Midlands opts for level three, a traditional, medium-rich brown, while the South East and South West choose level four, a richer, darker chestnut tone. The North claims the top spot for intensity, selecting a deep espresso or charcoal brown colour with spoon-standing-up thickness.
Nationwide Gravy Habits
The retail giant also disclosed that Brits are sipping gravy by the mugful, drizzling it on breakfast and would feature it prominently at weddings. The poll found 94% regard gravy as vital to a roast dinner. Aldi has shifted nearly 13 million jars of gravy over the past two years.
A quarter admit they'd quietly judge someone for disliking gravy, while running out of gravy at the dinner table was named the worst roast dinner catastrophe. More than a third of Liverpudlians insist they could drink a full mug of gravy neat, and the same proportion of Londoners say they'd gladly have gravy with breakfast.
Unusual Gravy Combinations
Some 31% of Brummies admit they'd bring their own homemade gravy to a pub or restaurant, while a third of Welsh folk pack it in their suitcase when going on holiday. Britain's gravy obsession extends beyond the Sunday roast, with bangers and mash, chips and toad in the hole taking the top three spots. Daring combinations include pasta, pizza and even cereal.
Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, commented: "Gravy sits at the heart of British home cooking and the research shows every region has its own take on the perfect pour."
