**British Snack Habits Spice Up as Indian-Inspired Flavours Take Hold**
A new survey has shed light on shifting snacking habits across the UK, revealing that a significant number of Britons are growing disenchanted with traditionally ‘bland’ snack options and are eagerly seeking out Indian-inspired alternatives. The findings come as many admit their usual snack routines lack excitement, with staple choices like cheese and onion or salt and vinegar crisps losing their appeal.
According to recent research involving 2,000 participants, four in ten Britons confessed to regularly indulging in the same snacks, only occasionally experimenting with something different. This trend has contributed to an increasing perception that traditional savoury flavours are not only overdone but uninspired for the modern palate. As a result, a large portion of the nation appears ready for a more adventurous culinary experience.
One notable outcome from the study is the rising desire for bigger, bolder, and spicier snacks. An impressive one third of respondents described most savoury snacks available on supermarket shelves as ‘boring’ or ‘predictable’. The craving for more adventurous flavours has consequently led many to incorporate Indian-inspired snacks into their routines. It appears that the vibrancy and variety found in Indian cuisine has resonated with those seeking to break out of their usual snacking habits.
Interestingly, the survey found that one in ten Britons now believe they consume more Indian than traditional British snacks or dishes—a sign of how these flavourful options have established themselves as household staples. Indeed, half of those surveyed admitted that Indian flavours have directly influenced their eating habits, whether at home, in restaurants, or when ordering takeaway.
Delving further into the data, the research revealed that some Britons are enjoying Indian-inspired foods and snacks on more than 100 occasions per year. On average, respondents reported preparing 32 curries annually—a testament to just how entrenched these dishes have become in daily life. Popular snacks such as onion bhajis and samosas emerged as firm favourites in the British Indian food scene, marking a shift in the types of snacks that are most commonly enjoyed across the country.
Takeaways, too, have played a prominent role in this transformation. Indian food enthusiasts are reportedly ordering at least 24 Indian takeaways each year—approximately one every fortnight—with tikka masala, korma, and biryani topping the list of preferred main dishes. This increased demand for curry-house favourites is mirrored across restaurants and high street outlets, with options spanning the full spectrum from mild to fiery.
Industry players have begun to take notice of these evolving preferences. Peperami, for example, recently introduced chicken tikka skewers to their snack range, seeking to capture the nation’s appetite for intense and exotic flavours. “Britain is head over heels for Indian flavours,” a Peperami spokesperson commented. “Plain, boring foods that taste like cardboard just don’t cut it anymore. Brits want big, punchy flavours, and it’s clear they’re looking for something with a real bite.”
The drive for novelty and variety is further evident, with seven out of ten survey respondents keen to explore new and adventurous Indian-inspired snacks. Nearly a third admitted they would happily enjoy Indian food daily if circumstances allowed. When it comes to spice, 63 per cent confirmed a fondness for spicy dishes, while a daring few confessed to enjoying their meals extra hot—some even relishing the notorious Vindaloo.
In an effort to engage with adventurous snackers, Peperami staged a promotional event at The Glades shopping centre in Bromley. Shoppers were encouraged to reach into a ‘mystery box’ for an opportunity to win prizes, including branded merchandise and a year’s supply of the new chicken tikka skewers. The campaign underscored the brand’s push to provide alternatives to what they called ‘boring British snacks’ like the pork pie or supermarket scotch egg.
The research also offered a definitive ranking of Brits’ favourite Indian foods, with samosas and onion bhajis heads and shoulders above the rest, followed by well-loved curries like tikka masala and balti. This top ten list highlights the degree to which once-exotic dishes have become a regular feature in homes throughout the UK.
As palates become more adventurous and global tastes continue to shape British snacking culture, industry experts predict that demand for spicier, more diverse options will keep expanding. Traditional snacks may not disappear, but Indian-inspired flavours are indisputably adding much-needed excitement to everyday eating—providing a culinary journey from the comfort of home.