A new study has found that couples who argue about food bicker more than 100 times a year over what to eat. Commissioned by Doritos as part of its Loaded Month campaign, the poll of 2,000 people in relationships revealed that more than eight in 10 (81%) of couples disagree on food choices with their partner.
Food Disagreements Can Escalate Into Arguments
Of those who have food-related disagreements, 21% said they can lead to full-blown arguments. To avoid conflict, 30% prefer to simply 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 dinner table arguments.
Meal Planning and Compromise
More than three in 10 (32%) said meal planning would help make it easier to decide what they should eat. However, 30% 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% of respondents. 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.
Gender Differences in Compromise
It was found that men compromise more than women on what they want to accommodate the other 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. If they weren't with their current partner, 24% said they wouldn't consider dating someone who has different dietary requirements to them (e.g., vegan).
Doritos Loaded Month Offers Solution
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.”
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.
