A poll of 2,000 people in relationships has found that more than eight in 10 (81%) couples disagree on food choices with their partner. Of those who experience food-related disagreements, 21% said they can lead to full-blown arguments if they cannot agree on what to eat.
How couples avoid food conflicts
To avoid conflict, 30% prefer to simply choose to eat different meals to their other half. Meanwhile, 15% have secretly ordered a preferred meal behind their partner’s back to avoid another row. One in 10 also fail to agree on what to eat as a couple more often than not, resulting in teatime tensions.
The research, commissioned by Doritos as part of Doritos Loaded Month which ends on Sunday, 28 June, also found that men compromise more than women on what they want to accommodate their 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.
Dietary preferences and dating
Nearly a quarter (24%) said if they were not with their current partner, they would not consider dating someone who has different dietary requirements to them (e.g., vegan). The study, conducted by OnePoll.com, found that more than three in 10 (32%) said meal planning would help make it easier to decide what to eat. Another three in 10 said more options would be the key to agreeing on what to eat, and the most important aspect of choosing what to eat is taste, according to 43%.
Where tensions arise
The study also found that 35% will have more disagreements about what to eat when cooking at home, whereas 22% said eating out or getting a takeaway presents the biggest tension. A spokesperson for Doritos said: “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. 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.”
Doritos Loaded Month
The spokesperson added: “With Doritos Loaded Month ending this Sunday, 28 June, this is the final chance to settle the dinner debate. From Camden Market in London to Barras Market in Glasgow and Freight Island in Manchester, couples can pick their favourite cuisine from participating vendors. By bringing their own bag of Doritos – any size, any flavour – to over 200 food spots nationwide, you and your partner can have it transformed into a fully loaded, flavour-packed dish from just £5 - so everyone gets what they want.”
