Nearly half of Brits (46%) say brunch is their favourite meal of the day – with a full English breakfast or a bacon sandwich topping the list of best brunch choices.
Food-loving Brits are also partial to eggs as part of their mid-morning meal, with scrambled or poached eggs on toast, eggs Benedict, and eggs Royale also featuring among the top picks.
And one in five (21%) would rather go out for brunch than have a night out with friends – with 49%, of 2,000 adults polled, saying they can't imagine not going out for brunch at the weekend.
But with the continued cost-of-living crisis driving up the cost of eating out, over half (56%) are now trying to eat brunch at home, instead – with 40% on the lookout for tips and tricks to create a healthier meal.
And two in five (41%) are attempting to eat more plant-based foods this Veganuary – although 31% admit their biggest barrier is simply a lack of recipe inspiration.
The research was commissioned by plant-based frozen food brand, Strong Roots, which partnered with cook and 2021 Great British Bake Off finalist, Crystelle Pereira, to create three delicious veggie and plant-based brunch recipes to make at home this month.
The quick and simple recipes include her five-ingredient Cauliflower Hash Brown Sandwich, Miso Mushrooms on Crispy Sweet Potato Hash Brown “Toast”, and “Vegan Breakfast Tacos”.
Samuel Dennigan, at Strong Roots, said: “Move over Sunday lunch – the nation has spoken, and brunch is leading the way as our favourite meal of the weekend.
“We’re thrilled to see the nation is looking for more veggie meal inspiration.
“With more of us eating brunch at home, Crystelle’s three brunch recipes are a must try, especially for those taking part in Veganuary.”
Half of adults think brunch should take 25 minutes to prepare, with six in ten agreeing they’d eat it at home more often if it took less time to prepare.
Although, of those who brunch, half prefer using quick and easy recipes, with 43% often choosing something that requires fewer ingredients.
The research, via OnePoll, also revealed almost two-thirds (62%) want more plant-based brunch options, with 28% saying eating plant-based food makes them feel like they’re doing their bit for the planet.
And nearly a quarter (24%) say eating plant-based makes them feel better physically, while a further 20% feel better mentally.
Crystelle Pereira said: “It is no secret that the brunch occasion is a weekend classic, and it is one of my favourite reasons for family and friends to get together while appreciating good food.
“This Veganuary, my quick and easy plant-based Strong Roots recipes will help Brits who are stretched for time and looking for inspiration into new ways to elevate their brunch.”
A general catch-up with friends was named the most popular occasion for brunching, with 64% believing it is the perfect excuse to get loved ones together.
Other reasons for enjoying this “light lunch” include birthdays and engagement parties – with the average Brit brunching three times a month.
More than half (53%) are likely to enjoy it with their partner, while a surprising 34% typically eat it alone.
TOP 20 BRUNCH MEALS:
- Full English breakfast
- Bacon sandwich
- Scrambled eggs on toast
- Poached eggs on toast
- Pancakes
- Omelette
- Eggs Benedict
- Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs
- French toast
- Boiled eggs with toast
- Ham, egg and chips
- Avocado on toast
- Yoghurt with fruit
- Steak and eggs
- Porridge
- Fruit salad
- Muffins
- Waffles
- Eggs Royale
- Frittata
