FSA lifts the lid on Christmas shopping
into shopper habits by conducting a survey of over 2000 British
adults into yuletide rituals.
5 a day at Christmas
The FSA found that where vegetables are concerned, carrots are consumer's first port of call, preferred by 16 per cent, closely followed by broccoli which came a very close second at 15 per cent.
Unsurprisingly the least popular vegetable of the festive season was the brussel sprout, chosen by 18 per cent. A further 18 per cent of those surveyed went on to say that they would never select the sprout outside of the Christmas season, despite its favourable nutritional content.
A nation of food lovers
The survey confirms that Brits love their food, finding that 14 per cent said that being able to eat lots and a massive 76 per cent saying that being able to tuck into turkey trimmings was their favourite aspect of Christmas.
The FSA offers advice on what to do with leftovers in the report for the 40 per cent of people who over-cook at Christmas.
The last minute rush
Research found that 21 per cent said that they had only stared planning their Christmas meal a few days before, 25 per cent plan it the day before or just don't plan at all.
In the last few days leading up to Christmas shops become packed as frantic shoppers look for that last bargain, an unenvious task that 34 per cent of those polled said was the worst aspect of Christmas.
Christmas dinner - the seasonal slog
The survey data found that a significant 58 per cent of respondents said they will spend between two and four hours preparing and cooking Christmas dinner and that a further 27 per cent would spend up to five hours in preparation.
Global alternatives to the traditional roast
British consumers have a taste for foreign dishes and up to 57 per cent of people questioned said they would consider ditching the traditional Christmas dinner in favour of something more exotic.Top choices included Italian at 30 per cent, followed closely by Chinese and Indian at 27 and 23 per cent respectively.
Of course not forgetting vegetarians at Christmas, the poll found 19 per cent of respondents would be cooking a vegetarian option, only 13 per cent of those opting for a soya meat equivalent.
