The most nostalgic foods for Brits revealed, from roast dinners to fish fingers

Laura Hampson
Updated ·2-min read
Fish fingers have been named as one of the most nostalgic foods by Brits. (Getty Images)
Fish fingers have been named as one of the most nostalgic foods by Brits. (Getty Images)

There really is nothing more nostalgic for Brits than tucking into a bowl of jelly, custard or ice cream after a homemade roast dinner, a new survey has found.

The survey of 2,000 British adults asked them what flavours reminded them of their childhood and jelly topped the list.

A roast dinner, fish fingers, baked beans and jam sandwiches also featured, as did boiled eggs and soldiers, biscuits from a tin and ice pops.

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"In order to qualify as a true nostalgic flavour, the food must fulfil at least two of three requirements; it must have comforting properties, sentimental appeal and be ‘insanely delicious’," psychologist Jo Hemmings said.

"As we grow older, the amazing sensation of nostalgia allows us to be transported to the joyful memories of our childhood. Senses trigger a chemical reaction in our brain, similar to the euphoria that we felt when experiencing this sensation for the first time as a child."

Have you ever found yourself craving certain foods when there's a heatwave? There's a reason for that. (Getty Images)
Have you ever found yourself craving certain foods when there's a heatwave? There's a reason for that. (Getty Images)

The survey, commissioned by Extra Refreshers Gum, also found that 23% of people eat their favourite childhood food at least once per week, while 25% say indulging in these foods make them feel comfortable, and 10% say it reduces anxiety.

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"Taste and smell are among the strongest nostalgia triggers of all, instantly reminding us of when we felt happy and comforted," Hemmings added.

Top 10 nostalgic flavours for Brits

  1. Jelly

  2. Boiled eggs and soldiers

  3. Fish fingers

  4. Home cooked roast dinner

  5. Biscuits from a metal tin

  6. Ice cream

  7. Custard

  8. Ice pops

  9. Jam sandwiches

  10. Baked beans

Perhaps licking an ice cream cone by the seaside is your most nostalgic food memory? It’s probably also linked to hot summer months too.

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This is because heat can change your appetite and the things you want to eat. So while you may crave a nostalgic roast in the winter time, in summer you’ll be craving colder food and drinks like ice pops.

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