Over half of Brits (56%) say barbeques are the best thing about summer – with the average adult attending four cook-outs a year, research has found.
The top foods to tuck into at a barbeque include burgers (49%) and sausages (42%) – while sides such as salad, potato salad, and coleslaw are considered by guests to be “unlimited”.
Indeed, nearly three in ten (28%) barbeque-loving Brits admit to being “plate pilers”, loading as much food as possible onto their dish during a garden gathering.
And they will typically reload their plates twice during the social occasion – with 27%, of the 2,000 adults polled, saying there is no limit to their appetite while at a barbeque.
However, some of the top reasons given for “plate piling” include not wanting to get up again for seconds – and having eyes bigger than their stomachs.
Other common barbeque personalities include the person who always drops their food on the floor, the one who gets all their food brought to them so they never have to get up – and the one who doesn't eat anything.
And 18% reckon there is always one person who will insist on using cutlery, rather than their hands, to eat.
The research was commissioned by long-life bakery brand Baker Street, to launch new Jumbo Hot Dog and Mega Burger Buns alongside their standard range.
A spokesman said: “The results suggest that barbeque season really brings out the best in people, and these findings really paint a lovely picture of summer in Britain.
“For many of us, these garden gatherings are the best thing about summer – and one thing everyone seems to agree on when it comes to barbies is that food is, of course, of paramount importance.”
The research also found 32% claim they have to “hold back” from eating all they want at a barbie, for fear of being deemed greedy.
And with good reason – as 11% have judged people we thought have eaten too much at a garden get-together.
However, 45% say all food rules – such as portion size, having sweet and savoury treats on one plate – go out the window as soon as the grill is fired up, with 62% happy to mix meats during dining.
Respondents typically attend four barbeques each a year – although 10% will attend up to ten, according to the OnePoll.com data.
In addition to this, the average barbeque-loving Brit will host three of their own – with 9% admitting they have regretted spending so much on food for greedy-guts guests.
But when they go out to enjoy the summer staple, during a two-hour barbie, adults will spend a solid 31 minutes eating.
Only 14% have ever experienced a cook-out that was short on food, as it emerged 53% will always bring an offering, such as extra burger buns.
A mild-mannered 62% avoid being first or last to the buffet, with 42% always getting food for someone else before serving themselves.
And more than half (55%) offer to help the host, while 48% are always on-hand to clean up – but a cheeky 10% admit to being the first to leave to avoid having to do this.
However, 53% say they are typically the first to leave in order to not outstay their welcome.
When it comes to leftovers, 15% even admitted they would be tempted by what’s been left on the plates of others.
Baker Street’s spokesman added: “Our findings show there is no limit to their appetite at a barbeque – and, as a nation looking to cut down on leftovers, Brits would be tempted by what’s left on the plates of others.”
For barbeque ideas and tips on how to avoid food waste, visit here.
FOODS CONSIDERED “UNLIMITED” FOR GUESTS AT A BBQ:
- Sausages
- Burgers
- Salad
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
TOP 10 PERSONALITY TYPES SEEN AT EVERY BBQ:
- Someone who piles their plate until it's overflowing
- Someone who gets their food delivered to them without getting up
- Someone who keeps the drinks topped up
- Someone who drops their food on the floor
- Someone who offers the host/designated cook advice
- Someone who doesn't eat anything
- A meat eater who “tries” the vegan/vegetarian options anyway
- Someone who won't eat with their hands, and insists on cutlery
- Someone who takes over the music/entertainment
- Someone who brings their own chair
