Fries and pizza are top foods - that Brits are least likely to share with others

09 October 2023 , 11:22

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Fries are the top food least likely to be shared with others (Image: KFC)

Fries, pizza, chocolate, and ice-cream are the top foods – that hungry Brits would be least willing to share with others, a study has found.

More than a tenth of food lovers admit they never share their meals, with 49% saying one of their top annoyances in life is when pals pinch food off their plate without asking.

Fries are the top food deemed too tasty to share – with 15% having ended up in a full-blown argument with someone who has helped themselves to their fries, despite claiming not to be hungry.

And the survey of 2,000 adults found that, when eating out, 37% order exactly what they want, and intend to keep it all to themselves.

For 27%, one of their pet peeves is when people expect to split meals and try a bit of everyone's – with one in six left irritated by the fact they may pay more, but actually eat less.

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And three in ten (29%) would sooner buy someone else a meal, rather than share their own food with them.

KFC has created the 30cm long 'Fry Swatter', to combat wandering hands (KFC)

However, more than half of those polled (53%) admit they experience food envy when dining out, leaving them wishing they had ordered the dish someone else is eating – with almost a quarter unable to resist temptation, and asking for a bite.

The research was commissioned by KFC, to mark the launch of its Signature Fries, flavoured with a combination of herbs and spices inspired by their chicken.

To combat “fry-by-night” thieves, the brand has pioneered the 30cm long “Fry Swatter” – designed to combat those wandering hands.

Kate Wall, from KFC, said: “Sharing fries can be a touchy subject. The research proves that fry-snatching is one of the nation’s biggest gripes, so we challenged ourselves to create something to stop them once and for all.”

The study also found that work colleagues, friends, and sibling are among those that respondents are least likely to share their food with – and 16% have had to step in physically to stop a person stealing their food.

However, 27% admitted to snatching chips off someone else’s plate when they’re not looking.

And it also emerged that just 27% will always allow others to have a nibble of their meal – although 18% do so out of politeness, rather than wanting to.

Andrew Young