New research from Dolmio has discovered that Brits believe eating plain pasta is one of many ‘sins’ committed with the Italian food staple, as is serving it on a cold plate
Dolmio has found that Brits consider eating pasta without sauce a ‘sin'(Image: Getty Images)
Nearly half of Brits are convinced that eating pasta without a sauce is “a crime”, according to a recent survey that has revealed the worst food “sins”.
Released to mark World Pasta Day, research of 2,000 adults who eat pasta dishes also discovered that 44 percent of survey takers have fired shots at plain pasta eaters, describing them as boring. The reasearch, commissioned by pasta sauce makers Dolmio, has also uncovered a series of pasta “sins” most Brits will have committed at least once in their lives.
Those “sins” included not salting the water enough, according to 31 percent of survey takers, with a further 27 percent saying overcooking it until mushy, and 24 percent saying serving it on a cold plate.
Serving pasta on a cold plate is also a major ‘sin’ according to Brits(Image: Getty Images)READ MORE: Most of Gen Z admit they’re happy wearing clothes with stains on themREAD MORE: Snacks actually taste better depending on where you eat them – expert claims
An additional nine percent were found to believe it is downright wrong to add ketchup to their plate of carbs, and Dolmio’s campaign has incorporated creative photos to push their “saucy” agenda. The brand has unveiled a gallery of cheeky images featuring pasta “creatively photographed to resemble body parts” by photographer Sophie Harris-Taylor.
The shots aim to show “pasta is meant to be saucy, never bare” after it emerged more than half of adults have eaten entirely plain pasta dishes.
Hana Hutchinson, a spokesperson for the sauce maker, said their products will only get better thanks to “huge demand” for sauces inspired by global flavours. She said: “Britain’s pasta plates are a celebration of cultures and trends from around the world. We’re seeing huge demand for sauces that deliver both convenience and exciting, globally-inspired flavours.”
Dolmio’s new campaign has made use of ‘saucy’ photos
With 39 per cent keen to shake things up when it comes to their meals, the research found the likes of TikTok and Instagram are influencing pasta eating habits.
More than one in 10 (13 per cent) have tried a new sauce after seeing one social media, while 12 per cent aspire to add cottage cheese to their pasta for the same reason. After pistachio went viral, eight per cent also intend to introduce the nut to a dish in the near future.
Even the cola and pickle trend has extended to the Italian food with 10 per cent pairing pickles with their pasta. Away from social media, 38 per cent have broken with tradition by enjoying Bolognese with penne rather than spaghetti.
Dolmio said pasta is ‘meant to be saucy, never bare’
While 31 per cent have served it with a jacket potato, 19 per cent with chips, and 11 per cent with just garlic bread and no pasta at all. And such ‘controversial’ moves might explain why 20 per cent have gotten into an argument over the rights and wrongs of pasta. But despite many pasta fans looking for new ways to enjoy the dish, classic recipes continue to reign supreme.
Bolognese, according to 47 percent of Dolmio’s respondents, remains the nation’s top pasta sauce, followed by 25 percent, who said, carbonara, and 21 percent, who said tomato and basil.
While the research carried out through OnePoll saw 51 percent vote spaghetti as the most popular shape, followed by penne at 41 percent, and fusilli at 37 percent. The go-to sides for most Brits are garlic break, according to 67 percent of people, and salad, voted by 52 percent.
Dolmio has made a list of the nation’s favourite sauces(Image: Hull Live)
Ms Hutchinson added: “We’re excited by the way consumers are mixing tradition with the latest viral sensations. And that spirit of exploration is providing ‘food for thought’ ahead of our next product innovations.”
Dolmio’s top 10 pasta accompanimentsWild mushroomBlack garlicCottage cheeseAvocadoTruffleHot honeyPumpkinPistachiosKimchiNduja
Dining and Cooking