Ditch mayo when making tuna sandwiches as two ingredients 'enhance' flavour
Brits with a love for tuna sandwiches have been advised to ditch the mayonnaise and opt for two flavour-enhancing ingredients in its place. This culinary tip comes from Darren McGrady, a former royal chef who served the likes of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Prince William and Prince Harry over an impressive 15-year tenure.
With experience cooking for five US Presidents, it's safe to assume that Darren has his fair share of sandwich-making expertise. However, he suggests that we've been getting the lunchtime staple wrong.
In a revelation that might surprise some, the chef proposes a rather contentious change to the traditional tuna and mayonnaise sandwich - eliminating the mayo entirely. According to Darren, mayonnaise "really takes away" from the taste of the tuna.
Instead, he recommends following King Charles ' example and drawing inspiration from the increasingly popular Mediterranean diet.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Darren said: "I think the mayo just really takes away from the flavour of the tuna. We should go back to what King Charles does with the Mediterranean diet."
He then revealed two ingredients that could elevate the beloved sandwich: "You just need a little olive oil and a splash of vinegar, and then some seasoning. That would really enhance the sandwich."
Swapping out mayonnaise, high in fat and calories, for olive oil has obvious health benefits. Olive oil is a staple of what many consider to be the world's healthiest diet – the Mediterranean Diet – and is proven to improve heart health and reduce inflammation.
Tuna sandwiches are also a hit stateside. In fact, the tuna salad sandwich is a top lunchtime pick in the US. The National Fisheries Institute reports that Americans consume an astonishing one billion pounds of tuna annually.
Intriguingly, over half of this (52%) ends up in tuna salad sandwiches. On British shores, it was reported in 2016 that around 210 million tuna sandwiches are sold each year.
King Charles is known to follow a predominantly plant-based diet and typically skips lunch altogether. In 2018, Clarence House released 70 facts to mark the then-Prince Charles' 70th birthday, with the 20th fact clearly stating: "The Prince does not eat lunch."
Gordon Rayner, former royal correspondent at The Telegraph, has mentioned that the King considers lunch a "luxury" that interferes with his busy agenda.
However, when it comes to lighter fare, the King seems to prefer something more unconventional than a classic tuna mayo sandwich. In 2020, Clarence House disclosed his preferred brunch selection.
It seems that Charles is a fan of a delicacy known as "Cheesy Baked Eggs." Clarence House shared a picture of them on Instagram, accompanied by a caption that revealed that they were one of the King's "favourite recipes."
The caption read: "The Prince has also shared one of his favourite recipes, Cheesy Baked Eggs, which can be made by using any number of our great British cheeses."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
37 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Could you keep your mobile in another room? Brits reveal how they're overcoming smartphone ‘addiction'
More people are looking to reduce their screen time PHONE DOWN Could you keep your mobile in another room? Brits reveal how they're overcoming smartphone 'addiction' ONE in three adults have tried to end their "addiction" to their phones through a digital detox with methods including keeping it in a different room, setting a digital curfew, and deleting social media apps. A poll of 2,000 adults found 41 per cent look at their mobiles "too much" - with 54 per cent doing so for three hours or more every day. Advertisement 2 One method Brits are trying is taking on 'quiet hobbies' Credit: Getty But 19 per cent feel this is an unfulfilling use of time. As a result, 35 per cent have reduced, or are attempting to reduce, screentime or end it completely. Other methods to digitally detox and cut back on phone use include practising "quiet hobbies", with the most popular screen-free activities including reading (41 per cent), walking (35 per cent), socialising with friends (24 per cent) and gardening (21 per cent). Some have even turned to playing board games to fill their time instead. Advertisement Kellie Wyles from DFS, which commissioned the research, said: "There is certainly more to life than our phones and being more present in the moment is key for improving mental health. 'We live in an era where FOMO is a common part of society, so people are keen to get news and updates as and when they happen – but this can cause them to miss out on valuable downtime.' The study also found 14 per cent of those who feel they spend excessive time on their phone have done so for more than 11 years. But since reducing their screen time, 71 per cent have noticed their mental health improve. Advertisement Better sleep (47 per cent), feeling more present (45 per cent), and calmer (42 per cent) are some of the benefits Brits have noticed since putting their phone down. While 18 per cent have even found they have made less errors since reducing their screentime. Despite this, 30 per cent admitted they would feel most panicked about losing their phone, over a wallet/purse (23 per cent) and house keys (18 per cent). With worries about banking apps (65 per cent) representing the biggest concern. Advertisement It also emerged that 46 per cent of Brits feel life was better before smartphones. To tackle their phone addictions, 13 per cent have introduced digital-free zones in their homes, with another 39 per cent claiming they haven't yet but would consider introducing one in the future. Creating a calming environment is also a priority, with over half (54 per cent) opting for comfortable furniture, 35 per cent choosing calming neutral tones, 29 per cent incorporating more houseplants, and 28 per cent enhancing their spaces with mood lighting. Meanwhile, one in four of those polled, via OnePoll, have a dedicated space for "quiet hobbies", with the most common being a reading nook (48 per cent), closely followed by meditation areas (37 per cent) and a table for board games or puzzles (34 per cent). Advertisement DFS took to the streets of London with presenter Lisa Snowdon who invited Brits to take a seat on her sofa and share how they're switching off from screens. The video interviews revealed a growing trend of people actively taking steps to digitally detox, from leaving their phones in another room to creating digital-free zones in their homes. Echoing the research, Lisa discovered that many are embracing simple, grounding activities like walking, cooking and spending quality time with loved ones - all in a bid to reconnect with the present moment and reduce screen time. Kellie Wyles added: 'Quiet hobbies are what keeps us grounded in the moment and appreciating the simple things in life. Advertisement 'We can often get carried away with what is going on elsewhere and neglect the beauty of simply taking time out. 'These moments of calm are often best enjoyed in the comfort of our homes so it's worth investing in creating a space that encourages relaxation, creativity and connection.'
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Here comes the heat! Amber alert warning in the south of England as 'killer' heatwave peaks at 32C and second hosepipe ban to hit one million Brits
An amber health alert has been issued for the south of England as a second hosepipe ban is set to hit one million Brits. The mercury is expected to rocket to 32C today in parts of central and southern England with the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West under amber alert. The UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) upgraded their previously yellow heat health warning to an amber one in these areas today with the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber to be covered by a yellow heat health alert from midday. Their website warns rising temperatures will have 'significant impacts' including 'a rise in deaths' - particularly among those aged 65 and above or with health conditions. The UKSHA predicts an 'increased demand on all health and social care services' and that the heat will have an impact on 'the ability of the workforce to deliver services'. The alert comes into effect at 12pm today (Friday) and will continue until 9am on Monday, following two other amber alerts issued in consecutive weeks at the end of June amid two separate heatwaves. The alert for the first heatwave on June 19 was the first time an amber alert had been issued since September 2023. It comes as a second hosepipe ban has been introduced in Kent and Sussex with thousands of customers in Yorkshire already restricting their water usage. Bournemouth beach was full of families enjoying the hot weather on Friday Those supplied by South East Water will not be able to use their hosepipes for any reason from July 18. The company said the region has endured its driest spring since 1893 and has had to supply up to 680million litres of water in 24 hours as temperatures soar, adding: 'This situation has left us with no choice but to restrict the use of hosepipes and sprinklers, so we can help our reservoirs and underground water storage recover.' South East Water added that it will prosecute those who disobey the ban by slapping them with fines of up to £1,000. Meanwhile, a hosepipe ban begins today in Yorkshire as the third heatwave of the summer heads towards temperatures of 33C. Yorkshire Water has placed a ban on using hosepipes for activities such as watering the garden, cleaning cars and filling paddling pools in an attempt to protect water supplies in the face of yet more dry weather. Similar to its southern counterpart, it means customers are banned from using a hosepipe to water gardens and plants, clean vehicles, fill swimming pools or ponds or clean paths, walls or windows. Customers flouting the ban could face fines of up to £1,000, but the company has said 'we hope it won't come to that' as it urged households to help conserve water by sticking to the restrictions. The new ban, which will affect more than 5.7million homes in Yorkshire, Derbyshire and North Lincolnshire, comes after 80 firefighters were called to tackle a grass fire yesterday in Rainham, Essex. London Fire Brigade said about ten hectares of grass and shrubland were destroyed in the blaze on Rainham Road, the cause of which is being investigated. Meanwhile, temperatures in Northern Ireland are set to reach around 25C over the weekend. Data from the Met Office forecasts temperatures to reach 26C and to rise over the coming days. Water Safety Ireland urged anyone visiting the beach to enter the water slowly. It said: 'Whether you're swimming, surfing, or paddleboarding, make safety your top priority. 'Enter the water slowly to avoid cold water shock. Supervise children and hold their hand near water. Never use inflatables in open water.' Across the Irish Sea, central Scotland will see temperatures soar to 28C with its capital Edinburgh baking in 27C. As the country prepares for the very warm weather, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution has urged families to put safety first. The RNLI urged people to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flag, to check the weather forecast and tide times, and to read local hazard signage to understand local risks. In agreement, the Health and Safety Executive added that the people most at risk during hot weather include babies, young children, people over 65 and those with underlying health conditions, including heart and breathing problems as well as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Those who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places - such as those who work outdoors or the homeless - are also at high risk. Their advice for staying cool indoors is to turn off the lights, close windows that face the sun and open them only at night when temperatures drop. While outdoors, people should stay in the shade and regularly apply a UVA and UVB water-resistant sunscreen to skin that is not covered. Factor 30-plus should be used for adults while 50-plus should be applied on children. People are also advised to drink plenty of fluids. Water or oral rehydration sachets are considered the best option. Diving in headfirst! Family enjoys day out at Clevedon's open-air swimming pool as temperatures peak to 32C While residents in Yorkshire and Sussex are being encouraged to conserve water, exceptions include using hosepipes to clean animals and fill drinking troughs. People can still wash their car and water their gardens using tap water from a bucket or watering can, while businesses will be allowed to use a hosepipe if it is directly related to an essential commercial purpose - but not for other uses such as cleaning paths outside a business property. And they're not the only ones, with Thames Water revealing this week that it would impose a hosepipe ban after 'ongoing dry weather and increased customer demand' unless the situation 'changes significantly'. The forecast for the coming days suggests temperatures could reach 32C in parts of central and southern England on Friday and are expected to remain high into the weekend, with a yellow heat health alert in place for all regions in England until July 15. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency, warns of the potential for a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over, or with health conditions, because of the heat. In Birmingham the body of a teenage boy was found in a lake yesterday after a huge search operation in a popular water park. Emergency services descended on Powell's Pool, a large body of water on the edge of the park near the Boldmere area of Sutton Coldfield at around 9pm following reports a boy had gone missing. Boat crews were seen on the water and the emergency services continued to work after dark, using torches to search the pool. West Midlands Police are supporting the family of the boy and were not treating the death as suspicious after people flocked to Sutton Park to try and escape the heat. Possible highs of 33C on Saturday mean the third heatwave will fall short of the top temperatures recorded earlier in July, but will be more widespread, Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said. 'For the next three days or so, high pressure is in charge across the UK, bringing in relatively settled conditions,' Mr Snell said 'For most of the UK, it will be dry, sunny and warm. The temperatures will probably peak either Friday or Saturday, with highs potentially of 32C or 33C. 'As we go into Sunday, the eastern half of the UK might start to just cool down a tad. It's still going to be very warm, but could jump down a degree or two. 'In the second half of the weekend some coastal areas, like the North Sea coast, may turn a little bit murky at times, but the weekend is generally hot and sunny for most parts of the country. 'That will obviously come with very high UV levels for most of us and also very high grass pollen levels, so not great news for hayfever sufferers.' The 35.8C (78.4F) at Faversham in Kent on July 1 during the second heatwave of 2025 was the UK's hottest day in three years. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has urged people to drink water regularly, seek shade and use sunscreen. Steve Cole, policy director at RoSPA, said: 'Heat is no longer just a holiday perk, it's a growing public health risk. 'We're seeing more frequent and intense heatwaves, both in the UK and globally, and the data shows a clear rise in heat-related illness and fatalities.' Temperatures will fall slightly by Monday, with highs of 28C expected in London and 'fresher' conditions in the north of England, with highs between 20C and 24C. Rain could come in 'showers and thunderstorms', Mr Snell said, most likely in northern England. The rain would be a relief for water companies after reservoir levels fell at nearly three-quarters of sites during June and are below average in all regions, with storage at four sites classed as 'exceptionally low'. These are Blagdon in Somerset (62 per cent), Blithfield in Staffordshire (59 per cent), Derwent Valley in Derbyshire (58 per cent) and Yorkshire Supply Group (55 per cent). The Environment Agency has also declared a state of 'prolonged dry weather' in large parts of Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey - meaning a heightened risk of drought. Thames Water said daily demand in Swindon and Oxfordshire peaked during the UK's last heatwave on June 30 at a level not seen since in the 2022 drought. People are being encouraged to take shorter showers, turn the tap off while brushing teeth and letting their lawn go dry to help reduce big increases in demand. Water bosses also warned that the extended warm weather was bringing 'increased risks of leaks and bursts due to pipe stress and shifting foundations in the ground'.
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Ditch mayo when making tuna sandwiches as two ingredients 'enhance' flavour
Darren McGrady, who was a royal chef for 15 years and cooked for the late Queen Elizabeth II as well as a number of US Presidents, has claimed we should stop using mayo in tuna sandwiches Brits with a love for tuna sandwiches have been advised to ditch the mayonnaise and opt for two flavour-enhancing ingredients in its place. This culinary tip comes from Darren McGrady, a former royal chef who served the likes of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Prince William and Prince Harry over an impressive 15-year tenure. With experience cooking for five US Presidents, it's safe to assume that Darren has his fair share of sandwich-making expertise. However, he suggests that we've been getting the lunchtime staple wrong. In a revelation that might surprise some, the chef proposes a rather contentious change to the traditional tuna and mayonnaise sandwich - eliminating the mayo entirely. According to Darren, mayonnaise "really takes away" from the taste of the tuna. Instead, he recommends following King Charles ' example and drawing inspiration from the increasingly popular Mediterranean diet. Speaking to Darren said: "I think the mayo just really takes away from the flavour of the tuna. We should go back to what King Charles does with the Mediterranean diet." He then revealed two ingredients that could elevate the beloved sandwich: "You just need a little olive oil and a splash of vinegar, and then some seasoning. That would really enhance the sandwich." Swapping out mayonnaise, high in fat and calories, for olive oil has obvious health benefits. Olive oil is a staple of what many consider to be the world's healthiest diet – the Mediterranean Diet – and is proven to improve heart health and reduce inflammation. Tuna sandwiches are also a hit stateside. In fact, the tuna salad sandwich is a top lunchtime pick in the US. The National Fisheries Institute reports that Americans consume an astonishing one billion pounds of tuna annually. Intriguingly, over half of this (52%) ends up in tuna salad sandwiches. On British shores, it was reported in 2016 that around 210 million tuna sandwiches are sold each year. King Charles is known to follow a predominantly plant-based diet and typically skips lunch altogether. In 2018, Clarence House released 70 facts to mark the then-Prince Charles' 70th birthday, with the 20th fact clearly stating: "The Prince does not eat lunch." Gordon Rayner, former royal correspondent at The Telegraph, has mentioned that the King considers lunch a "luxury" that interferes with his busy agenda. However, when it comes to lighter fare, the King seems to prefer something more unconventional than a classic tuna mayo sandwich. In 2020, Clarence House disclosed his preferred brunch selection. It seems that Charles is a fan of a delicacy known as "Cheesy Baked Eggs." Clarence House shared a picture of them on Instagram, accompanied by a caption that revealed that they were one of the King's "favourite recipes." The caption read: "The Prince has also shared one of his favourite recipes, Cheesy Baked Eggs, which can be made by using any number of our great British cheeses."
