Nearly half of Britons are adamant that eating pasta without a sauce constitutes “a crime”, according to a recent survey that has revealed the worst food “sins”. To celebrate World Pasta Day, the study of 2,000 adults who regularly eat pasta dishes found that 44% of respondents have criticised plain pasta enthusiasts, branding them as dull.
The research, commissioned by pasta sauce manufacturer Dolmio, has additionally exposed a catalogue of pasta “sins” that most Britons have committed at least once in their lives. Those “sins” included not salting the water enough, according to 31% of survey takers, with a further 27% saying overcooking it until mushy, and 24% saying serving it on a cold plate.
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.”
With 39% 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 have tried a new sauce after seeing one social media, while 12% 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% pairing pickles with their pasta. Away from social media, 38% have broken with tradition by enjoying Bolognese with penne rather than spaghetti.
While 31% have served it with a jacket potato, 19% with chips, and 11% with just garlic bread and no pasta at all. And such ‘controversial’ moves might explain why 20% 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% of Dolmio’s respondents, remains the nation’s top pasta sauce.
While the research carried out through OnePoll saw 51% vote spaghetti as the most popular shape, followed by penne at 41%, and fusilli at 37%. The go-to sides for most Brits are garlic break, according to 67% of people, and salad, voted by 52%.
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.”
TOP 10 PASTA ACCOMPANIMENTS FANS WANT TO TRY IN 2026
1. Wild mushroom
2. Black garlic
3. Cottage cheese
4. Avocado
5. Truffle
6. Hot honey
7. Pumpkin
8. Pistachios
9. Kimchi
10. Nduja
Dining and Cooking