Ketchup dethroned as UK's favourite condiment as Brits get ready to BBQ
As Brits embrace BBQ season research shows ketchup has been knocked off the top spot as the nation's favourite condiment
New research from Popeyes UK shows the country’s love affair with smoky sauces and sizzling food is stronger than ever, with BBQ sauce now officially topping the nation’s favourite condiments.
The fried chicken chain surveyed 2,000 Brits and found classic BBQ sauce came out on top with 19% of the vote, knocking long-time favourite tomato ketchup off the top spot. Spicy BBQ followed close behind with 14%, while honey BBQ was chosen by 12%. Ketchup, long considered Britain’s go-to condiment, trailed on just 10%, alongside garlic mayo.
Read more: I compared BBQ sauces from Lidl, Asda, M&S and more to Heinz – 1 tasted better
Read more: Britain’s favourite BBQ foods revealed - as they love 'making memories' outdoors
The findings follow the recent launch of Popeyes UK brand-new Honey BBQ range, featuring its signature shatter-crunchin’ chicken fillet drenched in sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce. And it seems the timing couldn’t be better.
Despite the official start of summer on 21 June still being months away, Brits are already dreaming of BBQ season. Two-thirds of people (66%) would happily have a BBQ before then, for some, the grilling starts even earlier.
Around one in eight (13%) say January to March is fair game for their first BBQ of the year, while 10% specifically say March marks the perfect time to get the barbecue going. This early start seems to be extending well into April, with Brits quick to declare summer has arrived at the first sign of sun.
The research found 39% immediately throw open their windows and doors because it’s “basically summer”, while 27% reach straight for their sunglasses. Some even start dressing the part, around 13% say they’ve worn shorts despite the chill, while 12% admit breaking out flip-flops or sliders long before summer.
Three-quarters (76%) say BBQs feel more relaxed and informal than other gatherings, while 71% believe they help bring people together.
Another, seven in ten (70%) say the smell of BBQ instantly puts them in a better mood, while 59% say some of their best summer memories involve barbecues. More than half (58%) even believe BBQ flavours can make bad weather feel better.
A hardy 3% of Brits admit they’ve even fired up a BBQ in the snow. Others say they’ll happily battle the elements just to keep the BBQ spirit alive.
One in five (20%) confess they’ve moved a BBQ indoors halfway through cooking when the weather turned, while 15% have grilled under an umbrella in the rain. Meanwhile 14% have attended a BBQ in chilly weather, 13% in the rain and 9% in windy conditions.
What’s more, two-thirds of Brits (66%) say they crave smoky BBQ-style flavours even when it’s cold outside. And nearly half of Brits (48%) say there’s no such thing as too early for BBQ flavour.
David Hoskins, Head of Food at Popeyes UK, said: “New Orleans is famous for big flavours, vibrant food culture and that unmistakable sunshine energy.
“With our new Honey BBQ range, we wanted to bring a little of that New Orleans spirit to the UK - even if it’s wet and windy outside.”
“By combining our iconic shatter crunchin’ chicken with a rich sweet and smoky Honey BBQ sauce, we’ve created a range that’s drenched in flavour and made for fans craving those classic BBQ-inspired tastes.”
