Quiz

Is Food The Way To Your Heart?

Is food the way to your heart? New research reveals just how many of us can be won over with a tasty treat and how much of our day-to-day lives are spent thinking about our next meal. Take our quiz to find out if the way to your heart is through your stomach...

Making Memories

The way to a man’s – and woman’s – heart really IS through their stomach, a study has found.

Research of 2,000 adults revealed more than half believe the age-old phrase ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’ does ring true. And when asked if this applies to themselves, 57 per cent of women and 62 per cent of men agreed. Almost three in five admitted their mood can be improved with good food and more than a third said some of their most treasured memories are around eating. A further 27 per cent class themselves as a ‘foodie’ while 24 per cent feel they are a ‘feeder’.

Similarly, people claim feeding others brings them happiness (62 per cent), whilst others do it because of a maternal or paternal instinct (36 per cent) or as they like to share their culinary creations (34 per cent). The study was commissioned by brioche experts St Pierre and also found cooking from scratch, knowing how to make something without a recipe and not getting stressed in the kitchen are among the things that impress people about others. A fifth also like it if someone knows the best spots for food in different cities, while a quarter are impressed if a host always has food on offer for guests.

On the flip side, those polled have tried to impress others with their great cooking skills (44 per cent), by creating a meal out of leftovers (34 per cent) and discussing food with a passion (14 per cent). Paul Baker, founder of St Pierre said:

“The study shows just how important food is to moods, relationships and memories.

“Foods often bring back nostalgic experiences such as eating with family or friends, trying new cuisines for the first time, going on a first date or being on holiday or in a different city.

“It’s great to see how passionate the nation is about food and that the way to a person’s heart really is through their stomach.

“Often the best pick-me-up is a simple homecooked meal or baked treat and we can all relate to that – it’s how we make everyday magnifique.”

Sharing is Caring

Almost half believe sharing food brings people together and one in four said bonding over meals is key to their family dynamic. The poll via OnePoll found people typically have three conversations a day about food.

Reflecting their love for edibles, 31 per cent have been bought a food themed gift, while 37 per cent have been the giver of a such a present. A tenth of the nation have even set up a social media page dedicated to their passion for food and 14 per cent have visited another country purely for the cuisines, with Italy, Greece and Spain the top go-tos.

Paul Baker adds: “At St Pierre, we’ve always maintained that great food is a joy to be shared. The results of this research show that we’re not alone in our thinking. Whenever you ask someone about their favourite food, the reason for their answer is almost always linked to a treasured memory – and that’s a beautiful thing.”

The poll also asked respondents what it was that stood out about food in fond memories. Whilst 61 per cent said the taste, 42 per cent the smell and 36 per cent the appearance of the food, more than a fifth said it was preparing food with their loved ones (21 per cent). In fact, more than a quarter (26 per cent) have eaten food they didn’t like for fear of upsetting the chef and 35 per cent added that food is central to any family gathering.

Whenever you ask someone about their favourite food, the reason for their answer is almost always linked to a treasured memory – and that’s a beautiful thing.
Paul Baker, St Pierre founder

The study also found it’s important to 62 per cent that a potential partner likes food. And if meeting up with a friend, relative or date 44 per cent admitted it’s likely to involve eating and 35 per cent said food is central to gatherings with their family. A quarter struggle to understand people who don’t get excited by food, 37 per cent confessed that fussy eaters annoy them and 39 per cent admit that they’re always thinking about their next meal.