A nationwide study has found that northerners are officially tougher when it comes to handling spicy food than their southern counterparts. The North-South divide has a new battleground: who can handle the heat.
Poll results show northern spice preference
According to the poll, half of those in the North say they “love” spicy food, compared with just 40% of southerners. Almost a quarter of northerners (23%) reckon they are “very good” at handling very hot food, versus just 14% down south.
The data also shows that six in ten (59%) northerners pile extra hot sauce and chilli onto their food after ordering the hottest dish on the menu. In addition, 52% of northerners feel “extremely confident” they could win a hot wing eating competition.
Southerners less confident with spice
Southerners appear rather less brave, with just 45% adding extra spice and only 39% confident they could triumph in a hot wing showdown.
Overall, Manchester (74%) emerged as the spice-loving capital, followed by Sheffield (72%), Birmingham (70%), Leeds (68%) and Liverpool (67%). No southern city made the top 10 heat-loving cities, according to the study commissioned by fast food chain Wingstop.
New range launch
The findings were released to coincide with the launch of Wingstop UKI’s new Hot Honey and Hot Honey Sriracha range. Chris Sherriff, of Wingstop, said: “I have to admit, I was surprised to see Birmingham only come third. Growing up enjoying plenty of spice, I’d have backed Brum to take the top spot.”
He added: “Clearly, there’s some healthy competition out there. Our new Hot Honey Sriracha turns things up a notch, bringing together sweet honey and a proper Sriracha kick. We’ve had a lot of fun with this one, and we can’t wait to hear what fans think.”
