London is spice capital of the UK, but Yorkshire residents have lowest tolerance

13 October 2023 , 14:04

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One in four Brits are becoming more experimental with their spice tastes (Image: Getty Images)

Londoners have the highest spice tolerance in the UK, with 79% claiming they can handle the heat – while Yorkshire trails behind, with just 56% enjoying a kick to their food, research has found.

Other regions that prefer a hotter meal include Scotland (70%), and the West Midlands (72%). But those in the East Midlands, Northern Ireland, and the East of England, prefer to keep things mild. The research, of 2,000 adults, also found that two-thirds believe people's spice tolerance depends on where they live, or where they come from.

But as 38% are now eating out less regularly, one in four adults are becoming more experimental with their spice tastes – and the same number are trying out adding spices to their home-made dishes. The survey was commissioned by Dolmio, which has partnered with Love Island star, Wes Nelson, to launch a culinary experience for spicy food fans, called "Brunch with a Punch".

Love Island star Wes said: "When it comes to food, I'm all about dishes with heat – extra hot curries, chillies in my spag bol. You name it, I’ll eat it. So, I’m buzzing to be part of a brunch that’s all about the bolder flavours. I look forward to bringing the heat with my set, too."

The study also revealed a quarter of adults often experiment with adding spices to their homemade dishes, with 54% enjoying the sensation of heat and spice while eating. And 32% of those polled love spice so much, they add it to more traditional dishes, such as spaghetti Bolognese or lasagne. However, 39% said while they enjoy it, they do have to take regular breaks if the food is very spicy.

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Drinking water (40%) or milk (16%), and eating a yogurt (14%), are among the most favoured methods used to help cool down a burning hot mouth. And of those who took part in the study, carried out via OnePoll, three in ten have been in a relationship with someone who had the opposite spice tolerance to them.

Sian Gavin, spokeswoman for Mars Food, makers of Dolmio, which has launched a new range of "Intensify" pasta sauces, said: "The nation’s love for hotter foods is a testament to its appetite for adventure and flavour – and this dining experience will not disappoint. There’s much fun to be had with Dolmio’s Intensify range, and we’re excited to inspire people with bold dishes that they can recreate at home – whether that’s brunch or beyond. Brunch with a Punch" takes place at Barrio, Covent Garden on Sunday, October 22, and at Menagerie, Manchester on Sunday, October 29.

PERCENTAGE OF REGIONAL POPULATION WHO CLAIM THEY CAN HANDLE SPICY FOOD:

1. London (79%)
2. West Midlands (72%)
3. Scotland (70%)
4. North East (68%)
5. South East (67%)
6. Wales (66%)
7. South West (66%)
8. North West (63%)
9. East Midlands (60%)
10. East of England (57%)
11. Northern Ireland (56%)
12. Yorkshire and the Humber (56%)

Sarah Lumley