A ‘picky tea’ has been voted Britain’s favourite summer meal, according to a recent poll. Research shows nearly 90% of people prefer this type of dinner during the warmer months. A ‘picky tea’ comprises assorted items like cheese and crackers, pate and bread, quiche, and various vegetables like cucumber, tomato, or celery. It can also include crisps, Parma ham, dips, and chips.
While food may be heated, nothing is specifically prepared. On average, Britons enjoy three such meals weekly during summer. Essential items include sausage rolls (52%), mature cheddar (52%), and pork pies (43%). Previously known as ‘bits and bobs’, this meal has been rebranded by Gen Z women on TikTok, who share images of their ‘picky plates’. For many, a ‘picky tea’ isn’t complete without potato salad (43%) or coleslaw (43%), and 42% like to add cherry tomatoes.
The survey indicates other popular items: salad leaves (33%), pickled onions and gherkins (32%), and quiche lorraine (30%). Scotch eggs (42%), plain crisps (42%), and coronation chicken (21%) are also favourites, along with sourdough bread, smoked salmon, olives, and mozzarella (each 23%). Half of the respondents (48%) enjoy searching their fridge and cupboards to see what they can create, while 80% spend the day thinking about their evening ‘picky plate’.
A ‘picky tea’ of bits and pieces is now Britain’s favourite summer meal, survey reveals – but what does it involve?
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Popular drinks to accompany a ‘picky tea’ include white wine and cold cider. Eleanor Quigley from cider maker Orchard Pig, which commissioned the survey, noted, “It’s clear that ‘picky tea fever’ is sweeping the nation.”
Popular picky plate essentials:
– Sausage rolls (52%)
– Mature cheddar (52%)
– Slices of ham (48%)
– Pork pie (43%)
– Potato salad (43%)
– Coleslaw (43%)
– Cherry tomatoes (42%)
– Scotch egg (42%)
– Ready salted crisps (42%)
– Crackers (40%)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is a picky tea?
A picky tea is a meal of bits and pieces like cheese and crackers, pate, quiche, and snacks, often unprepared.
What are common items in a picky tea?
Common items include sausage rolls, mature cheddar, pork pies, potato salad, coleslaw, cherry tomatoes, Scotch eggs, and crisps.
How often do Britons eat a picky tea during summer?
Britons have an average of three picky tea meals a week during the summer.
Why is it called a picky tea?
‘Picky tea’ is a term popularized on TikTok, especially by Gen Z women, referring to a meal made of various snacks.
What drinks pair well with a picky tea?
A glass of white wine and a cold cider are among the top drinks to have with a picky tea.
