SAUCY CONFESSIONS: BRITS SPEND NEARLY TWO MONTHS OF THEIR LIVES EATING FOOD WITH GRAVY ACCORDING TO NEW RESEARCH

We’ve always known that Britain is gravy crazy, but new research from Bisto Peri-Peri Gravy has revealed that the average Brit enjoys 5.6 litres a year, adding up to a whopping 3,961 gravy dinners in a lifetime.^[4] This means the average Brit spends over one and a half months of their life just eating food with gravy.

In fact, gravy has even officially nabbed silver in the nation’s sauce stakes, with around one in six (16%) of Brits backing it as their sauce of choice – just a drizzle behind ketchup (17%) and comfortably ahead of mayo (14%).^[5] But while we’ll always love the classics, it seems our tastebuds are craving something spicier…

A quarter of Brits (26%) admit they’re more adventurous with gravy than they were just two years ago^[6], while almost a third (28%) now prefer their gravy with an extra kick of flavour compared to the 59% that enjoy it plain and simple.^[7] When it comes to cranking up the heat, it’s younger Brits (41% of 18–34s)^[8] leading the charge. And when it comes to experimentation, things are getting wild… from peanut butter (7%) to maple syrup (7%) and even wasabi (5%)^[9] being stirred in (yes, really).

It doesn’t stop there – whilst almost four in ten (37%) Brits believe gravy belongs beyond traditional Sunday roasts^[10], rising to nearly half (48%) among under 34s^[11], fried chicken and gravy is fast becoming one of the nation’s most prominent gravy combinations (15%)^[12]. Not only that, but adventurous diners in every region are now splashing gravy on spaghetti (7%), pizza (6%) and even curry (5%)^[13].

But is there really anything better than chips and gravy? The combination remains a Northern classic with 45% typically opting for it^[14], however, London is proving it’s no stranger to the pairing, with over a quarter (26%) enjoying chips with gravy^[15] – 31% nationwide^[16].

The research comes as Bisto launches its new, spicy, Peri-Peri gravy. To celebrate and to give people a first taste, Bisto rolled into Trafalgar Square with a pop-up van serving 1,000 free portions of chips loaded with the good stuff. Helping dish out the spice was none other than  Perri Kiely, the ultimate Peri-Peri superfan. Fans can also head to @realperrikiely on Instagram for a giveaway and a chance to try the gravy themselves.

Perri Kiely, Dancer, commented: “As a massive Peri-Peri fan, there was no way I could turn this down – it’s literally got my name written all over it! Bisto’s new Peri-Peri gravy takes a British classic and gives it that spicy kick I love. I can’t wait to see people tucking in and showing just how creative you can get with your gravy.”

Kate Drew from Bisto Peri-Peri Gravy commented:

“Brits are more adventurous than ever with their food, and gravy is no exception. With Bisto Peri-Peri, we’ve taken a much-loved favourite and added a bold new twist that reflects the nation’s growing love of spice. Whether it’s with chips, chicken or something a little unexpected, this launch is all about giving people a new way to enjoy a flavour they already know and love.”

The Nation’s Top Five Sauces

1. Ketchup – 17%
2. Gravy – 16%
3. Mayo – 14%
4. BBQ Sauce – 8%
5. Curry Sauce – 8%

Source: Bisto Peri-Peri Gravy

From classic Sunday roasts to midweek chips and fried chicken, Bisto is inspiring fans to rediscover a beloved British favourite with a spicy twist. Discover more about Bisto Peri-Peri Gravy here.