16 per cent say they have had to step in physically to stop a person stealing the food
More than one in 10 Brits never share their food – and consider pals who plate-pinch one of life’s biggest bugbears.
A poll of 2,000 adults also found 49 per cent are most annoyed when people steal something off their plate without asking.
And 27 per cent don’t like when people expect to split meals and try a bit of everyone’s.
Food envy is suffered by 53 per cent when they eat out, leaving them wishing they had ordered the dish someone else is eating, with almost a quarter unable to resist temptation and asking for a bite.
It also emerged of those who don’t enjoy sharing, 37 per cent have ordered what they like and want to have it all to themselves.
And one in six are irritated by the fact they may pay more but actually eat less.
The research was commissioned by KFC to mark the launch of its Signature Fries, flavoured with a combination of herbs and spices inspired by their chicken.
To combat ‘fry-by-night’ thieves, the brand has pioneered the 30cm long ‘Fry Swatter’ – designed to combat those wandering hands.
Kate Wall, from KFC, said: “Sharing fries can be a touchy subject.
“The research proves that fry-snatching is one of the nation’s biggest gripes, so we challenged ourselves to create something to stop them once and for all.”
The study also found 29 per cent would even rather buy someone a meal than share theirs with them.
While 15 per cent have found themselves in a full-blown argument when someone has stolen fries after saying they’re not hungry.
Fries were revealed to be the among the top four foods people think are too delicious to share, followed by pizza, ice cream and chocolate.
And 16 per cent have had to step in physically to stop a person stealing the food.
However, 27 per cent admitted to snatching chips off someone else’s plate when they’re not looking.
It also emerged just 27 per cent will always allow others to have a nibble of their meal.
And respondents are least likely to share their food with work colleagues, friends and siblings.
However, 18 per cent do so out of politeness rather than wanting to.
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