A study of 2,000 adults has revealed that houmous, falafel and sushi have become modern picnic staples, alongside traditional favourites like sandwiches, sausage rolls and Scotch eggs. The research, commissioned by Warburtons for National Picnic Week, shows how the humble picnic has evolved over the past century.
Tapas-style foods such as olives, chutney and flatbreads are now popular, while the rise of meat-free diets has brought vegetarian sausage rolls, pies and salads to picnic blankets. Sandwiches remain a staple for 58 per cent of Britons, but breads like bagels, pitta and focaccia are also common.
Old-fashioned treats like jelly, ice lollies and boiled fruit cake have been replaced by cookies, chocolate brownies and doughnuts. Drinks have also modernised, with sparkling water, prosecco and gin and tonic featuring alongside traditional options.
Food historian Polly Russell said: 'Though variety has been a defining characteristic of the picnic for more than a century, the influence of different cultures and foreign foods on our tastes is more obvious than ever today.' She noted that foods like tongue and boiled fruit cake have fallen out of favour.
The study also found that 71 per cent of people pack crisps, which became essential in the 1970s. Packaging innovations like the Thermos flask (1920s), ice chest (1950s) and Tupperware (1960s) have influenced picnic choices. Today, 38 per cent still take a flask, 46 per cent use plastic Tupperware and 61 per cent use a cool bag.
Despite modern additions, 41 per cent prefer traditional items like cold meats and Scotch eggs. Almost half make homemade snacks, including sausage rolls (43 per cent), quiche (35 per cent) and scones (over a third). The survey also revealed that during lockdown, a quarter of respondents had a picnic, with two-thirds in their own garden.
