Fred Sirieix challenges Brits to blind taste test as majority dislike foods they haven't tried
The survey was commissioned by Boursin Plant-based, who partnered with television food expert Fred Sirieix to conduct blind taste tests at food festivals across the summer. Sushi, black pudding, and kimchi are among the foods people most commonly dislike without trying first, along with plant-based alternatives to cheese and anchovies. Tofu, liver, and plant-based equivalents to milk also featured in the top 10.
Remarkably, 65 per cent of those surveyed regard themselves as adventurous diners, whilst 74 per cent declared they would be open to sampling new foods.
Fred Sirieix commented: "Brits claim to eagerly embrace culinary trends and global flavours, but they can be particularly prejudiced when it comes to certain foods, and this is one of the biggest barriers to discovery.
"Many ingredients including plant-based alternatives to cheese have huge negative preconceptions. But despite many claiming they'd be able to differentiate plant-based from dairy, even the most discerning foodies were fooled by this plant-based alternative to cheese when we let taste do the talking."
Despite these figures, only 17 per cent actually admitted to being fussy eaters. However, six in ten would openly say they didn't like something if they were served something unappetising.
On the flip side, 28 per cent would be willing to give it a go, which in the case of 53 per cent has paid off as they admit they have changed their minds about something they thought they hated once they tried it.
The main reasons for sampling unfamiliar tastes include blind taste tests or discovering the health benefits of a food.
Fred Sirieix, on behalf of Boursin, added: "People are very clearly confident in their ability to tell dairy from plant-based alternatives but as we saw from experience, this was not actually the case.
"In reality, less than 10 per cent of people at the Foodies festival were able to differentiate between Boursin plant-based and dairy.
"It just goes to show - there's a whole world of flavours out there waiting to be explored if you're brave enough.
"Even ingredients you might dismiss because of previous experiences, judgements, or assumptions can still surprise you if prepared in the right way.
"So, embrace the challenge and let the taste do the talking."
Sushi
Black pudding
Kimchi
Plant-based alternatives to cheese
Anchovies
Tofu
Blue cheese
Duck
Liver
Plant-based alternatives to milk
Prawns
Olives
Asparagus
Spicy curry
Kale
Pickles
Beetroot
Coriander
Brussel sprouts
Mushrooms
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