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Food

31st Jul 2023

Quiz: Where do you fall on the munch-o-meter?

Jack Peat

Where do you turn when you’ve got the munchies?

When it comes to food on the go are you an Anything Goes Andy or a Picky Pat?

If hunger strikes, will anything fill the void, or are you more particular in your preferences?

This quiz will tell you where you fall on the munch-o-meter.

It comes as a study found almost a third would never leave the house without an ‘emergency snack’ – with a classic packet of crisps still the top food Brits eat on the go.

Half (49 per cent) have been hit with hunger pangs when out and about, only to find they had nothing to fill the void.

While 18 per cent always like to have a handful of nuts on them in case of a hunger emergency, more than one in 10 (13 per cent) would opt for a wrapped pastry.

The poll of 2,000 adults found half wouldn’t dream of departing without at least two bites-to-eat in tow, with not eating breakfast at home being one of the top reasons people secure something tasty for later.

A spokesperson for La Boulangère, which commissioned the study, said: “Nobody wants to be caught short in a hunger storm.

“Having something on hand in case you get peckish is a very good idea, so having longer-lasting, indulgent edibles in the cupboard is wise for when you might be eating on the go.

“But more short-term consumables are also really great for a small bite to eat, like a piece of fruit.”

The study, via OnePoll, also revealed first thing in the morning and mid-afternoon are the times when a stashed morsel is most appreciated.

Of those polled, parents were more likely to pack some emergency food when they’re on the move (42 per cent) than those without children (14 per cent).

With 74 per cent still finding it useful to hold nibbles in their bag for their hungry teenagers.

But 45 per cent of them said they often pack some snacks in their bag ‘for later’ whether they’re with family or not.

With 68 per cent saying contingency planning, when it comes to food on the go, is a parenting tactic they’ll keep for life.

For 46 per cent, breakfast helps to pave a good day ahead – while 44 per cent feel it’s the best way to start off on the right foot.

Three in 10 say they love a variety of brekkie options they can tuck into each morning, with 42 per cent enjoying a bowl of cereal or granola for fuel on a weekday.

While toast (38 per cent), coffee and tea (68 per cent), and fruit (24 per cent) are also on the menu for a morning pick-me-up.

The forbidden rule of dipping breakfast pastries into drinks is gospel for 43 per cent, whereas 23 per cent believe enhancing the dunking experience is fine for a moment of indulgence.

Two thirds (66 per cent) find it typically costs less if they plan and prep their food for when they’re on the go, while 37 per cent say it prevents them hurriedly buying something they don’t really like.

While a quarter put food in their bag for later because they might miss breakfast and want to enjoy the choice they’ve grabbed to eat while on the move.

La Boulangère’s spokesperson added: “What we choose to chew on says a lot about our personalities.

“Some of us like to be well prepared, especially when it comes to that first food of the day.

“Whether it’s stored away in a cupboard or squirrelled away in your day bag, an all-butter croissant, or melt-in-the-mouth pain-au-chocolat,

pretty much has breakfast written all over it.

“Of course, if you miss breakfast, you’ll need something a little later for a boost – but just because you’re in a rush doesn’t mean you can’t indulge yourself with something really tasty.

“Either way, with a bit of planning, that first meal of the day doesn’t have to be a compromise.

“But as we all know, even with the biggest breakfast in the world the need for a little extra something can strike at any time.”

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