03 November 2023 , 11:36
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Two-thirds of Brits (67%) reckon the best meal to bring loved ones together – is a traditional Sunday roast, research has found.
The trend of “Friendsgiving”, which sees pals come together to collectively host a roast dinner, with guests providing different elements of the meal, is growing in popularity in the UK – particularly among 18-24-year-olds, with four in ten of this age group feeling this way.
In fact, younger, Gen Z adults are more than twice as likely to host a meal in this way, asking others to contribute to the dining experience, than those aged 45-54 (60%, versus 28%).
And over half of Gen Zs (53%) in the UK are already referring to a collectively-hosted meal as “Friendsgiving” – a term coined in the US to refer to friends getting together to enjoy an extravagant meal, ahead of the official Thanksgiving family dinner.
The survey of 2,000 adults also found that 13% believe that this trend is likely to continue to become a more common occurrence on this side of the pond – with the same number believing it will also evolve to include a fusion of cuisines.
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The research was commissioned by Aunt Bessie's, which has also created a quiz to find out what kind of roast dinner attendee you are.
By answering a selection of questions, you can find out whether you're a “Laid-back Larry”, that lets the food gravitate to you, or a “Tidy-up Tina”, who gets involved at every stage to help out the host.
Andy Dale, from the brand, said: “The roast dinner has always been a meal that brings families together – but now, we’re seeing the next generation of roast dinner lovers use this meal to also catch up and connect with friends.
“Sometimes, it’s easy to roll through the weeks and months without coming together with those who are important to you. But our research has certainly shown there’s a desire to do this more around the dinner table, especially as we enter the colder, darker winter months.”
The study, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed those already hosting roast dinners for their friends do so an average of five times a year, with five guests named as the ideal number of people to invite.
Top reasons a roast dinner is seen as such an inclusive meal choice include having something for everyone to enjoy (34%), and because it is easier to share than most meals (38%).
And when it comes to what goes on to the “Friendsgiving” dinner plate, roast potatoes reign supreme, with 34% saying it isn’t a roast without them. This is followed by the meat or alternative (21%), and Yorkshire puddings (14%).
The “Yorkshire Puds only go with beef” debate has also been settled, with 83% considering them a welcome addition to any roast, regardless of which meat is served.
However, of those who would not opt for a roast dinner to bring people together, 37% blamed the level of effort required to make the traditional Sunday dish, for putting them off.
Andy Dale, from Aunt Bessie's, added: “Cooking a roast can sometimes feel like a daunting task – but it doesn’t have to be. We want to make the roast dinner experience as easy, relaxed, and tasty as possible.
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“All our products are made to be cooked from frozen, which helps reduce the amount of time you’re in the kitchen – meaning more time to enjoy the day with friends.”