A nationwide survey by Stokes Sauces has uncovered the unwritten rules of the British BBQ, with one in five people admitting to bringing their own sauce because they didn't trust the host.
Key findings
The poll found that 21% have brought their own sauce to a barbecue, with 8% doing so regularly and 13% having done it once or twice. An additional 22% would consider doing the same.
Since 1 May, 29% have hosted a barbecue at home, averaging just over three occasions, while 19% said their household has had BBQs more frequently than during a typical summer.
Host expectations
Two thirds (66%) cite serving undercooked food as the most serious blunder, followed by charring the food (55%) and cooking on a grimy barbecue (34%).
Nearly two in five (39%) said hosting more BBQs has inspired them to experiment with new flavours, and 74% agree the right sauce can make familiar barbecue food feel more exciting.
Favourite sauces
Tomato ketchup is the nation's favourite, chosen by 24%, with barbecue sauce at 22% and mayonnaise at 13%.
Rick Sheepshanks, founder of Stokes Sauces, said: "People tend to come back to the same burgers, sausages and skewers because they know everyone will enjoy them, but that doesn't mean every barbecue has to taste the same. You can have good food, cooked properly and served on time, but people will still notice if their favourite sauce is missing. The fact that some guests bring their own shows how personal those choices are, and putting a few options on the table means everyone can enjoy the food their own way."
Top 10 BBQ mistakes
- Serving undercooked food – 66%
- Burning the food – 55%
- Cooking on a dirty BBQ – 34%
- Keeping guests waiting too long – 18%
- Running out of food – 17%
- Not offering a suitable vegetarian or plant-based option – 11%
- Criticising the host's cooking – 11%
- Arriving empty-handed – 8%
- Providing too few sauces and condiments – 7%
- Taking over the BBQ without being asked – 7%
