East Midlands is the UK's spiciest region - with four in 10 loving a kick to their food

The East Midlands is the spiciest spot in the UK, according to research.

The poll of 2,000 Brits found 42% of East Midlanders have a high tolerance for spice – compared to spice-averse Northern Ireland, where just a mild 5% said the same.

And 38% of Yorkshire and the Humber residents wouldn’t venture above a chilli con carne, while a third (33%) of those in the South West wouldn’t eat anything hotter than a mild curry.

By comparison, more than half (54%) of those in the East Midlands prefer to test their tongues with a challenging heat, opting to add jalapeno peppers and chillies to their dishes.

And four in 10, of all those polled, want to see spicier options on fast food menus.

Fresh chilli is one of the UK's favourite spices - second only to black pepper (SWNS)

The study also found the average adult adds spice to their meals three times a week, with 41% admitting they like a bit of kick to their food when they eat out.

But 43% are more likely to opt for spicier dishes in winter, when the temperatures drop.

Tony Barr, spokesman from Wendy’s, which commissioned the research to launch its new Spicy Nuggets in the UK, said: “It’s interesting to see from the research how people’s spice levels differ so much across the UK – some like it hot, whilst others prefer a mild zing.

“And it’s not surprising that the winter weather brings a craving for extra heat.”

It also emerged an adventurous 42% of adults like trying spicy foods to see how much heat they can handle – although 39% wish their tolerance for spice was higher than it is.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found the nation’s top spices are black pepper and fresh chilli, followed by sweet chilli sauce, and ginger.

And Brits are most likely to add extra zing to chicken, rice dishes, and beef.

Following the findings, Wendy’s put Brits' spice preferences to the test in a video.

Tony Barr added: “With chicken topping the list as one of the most popular ingredients to add some spice to – Spicy Nuggets were the obvious choice to introduce to our UK menu.

“Whether you prefer your food mild or with a bit of a kick, we can’t wait to see how Brits rate the spice levels of our Spicy Nuggs.”

THE UK’S SPICIEST REGIONS:

1. East Midlands
2. London
3. North West
4. Scotland
5. Wales
6. East of England
7. North East
8. South West
9. South East
10. Yorkshire and the Humber
11. West Midlands
12. Northern Ireland

TOP 10 FAVOURITE SPICES:

1. Black pepper
2. Fresh chilli
3. Sweet chilli sauce
4. Ginger
5. Dried chilli flakes
6. Curry powder
7. Mustard
8. Jalapenos
9. Paprika
10. Tabasco sauce