More than 15 million Brits admit their usual meals are bland, with nearly a quarter eating uninspiring dishes several times a week, according to a new survey. Plain pasta, boiled rice and rice cakes top the list of Britain's blandest foods, despite their widespread popularity.
The survey of 2,000 adults, commissioned by Lurpak, found that tofu, couscous and boiled potatoes also made the top 10, alongside the traditional jacket potato. Some 54% said they wished their everyday meals felt more exciting, while 31% confessed they want to be more adventurous with flavour but are unsure how to begin.
Lurpak has partnered with food scientist Natalie Alibrandi to recognise 'bland' as a sixth distinct flavour state, alongside sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami. Alibrandi said: 'Bland food is not always food with no taste, often, it is food where there is no flavour strong enough to take the lead.'
The research also revealed that 66% of Gen Z spend more time consuming food content than any other generation, yet they bookmark recipes from social media without ever making them – with 45% admitting they don't know where to begin. However, 70% said they find trying new flavours inspiring and 72% consider themselves experimental when it comes to cooking.
Catriona Mantle, a spokesperson for Lurpak, said: 'Let's face it, everyday meals are often built around the same familiar favourites. There is nothing wrong with that - but sometimes the food we rely on most could do with a little more flavour.' The brand has launched a new Chilli & Garlic flavoured butter to help combat blandness.
