A new survey has revealed that Brits are a nation of speed-eaters, consuming their lunch in an average of just 25 minutes, while Italians take a full hour to savour their midday meal. The research, commissioned by Menabrea, highlights a stark cultural contrast between the two countries.
One in three Brits admit to being rapid eaters, with a quarter confessing they wolf down their food. Nearly a quarter view meals as mere fuel. In contrast, Italians treat lunch as a social occasion, with conversation and laughter, and 88% believe a good meal should never be rushed.
Experts attribute Britain's hurried eating habits to the country's tea-drinking heritage and the Industrial Revolution, when workers had to eat quickly between shifts. Today, half of Brits eat lunch at their desk, and nearly one in five multitask with emails while eating. Dinner is no different, with 87% eating in front of the television about five nights a week, and Brits checking their phones an average of 13 times during dinner.
The survey also found that more than a third of Brits have rushed through family dinners, and one in six have cut dates short due to busy schedules. Despite these habits, 90% of Brits say they would prefer a more European approach to dining, but 16% find it difficult to switch off.
Eleanor Quigley, Brand Manager for Menabrea, said: 'Food and drink should be about far more than simply fueling the day, they should be a chance to pause, connect with others and properly savour the moment.' The main reasons for rushing include cost, lack of time, and distractions.
