Brits have chosen American export fried chicken over our traditional takeaway choice
In the past, fish and chips was a popular dinner option in the UK, but its popularity has declined, with fried chicken now being declared as the preferred option according to a recent survey.
Twenty percent of Brits consume Southern fried chicken weekly, while 10 percent do so on a monthly basis, as revealed by a study involving 1,500 adults across the nation.
Additionally, 20 percent stated they would opt for fried chicken as their last meal, with 10 percent considering it a catering choice for their wedding or funeral.
In contrast, only 10 percent of Brits enjoy a traditional British meal – like fish and chips, bangers and mash, or steak and kidney pie – each week.
Richard Piggot, Operations Director at Slim Chickens UK, who conducted the survey, attributes the rise in popularity of the American specialty to social media, stating that it plays ‘a crucial role in shaping food trends and influencing people’s culinary preferences.’
However, many on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to highlight that the change is due to practical reasons: particularly the variation in the cost of feeding a family at the chicken shop versus the chippy.
User @ProEvils wrote: ‘It’s half the price of fish and chips as well. The chip shops charge exorbitant prices, double or triple what the fish would cost in a typical supermarket.’
A similar sentiment was expressed by @dezza2542, who said, ‘It’s the ridiculous price of fish and chips these days,’ and @TAquajim who added: ‘You can get a good serving of fried chicken, chips, and a drink for less than ten pounds. Try getting a decent portion of fish and chips for that amount.’
Statistics support this claim as well. According to the Office for National Statistics, prices of fish and chips increased by 19% from March 2022 to March 2023. On average, the cost rose by approximately £1.44, with an average portion now costing £9 – although in Somerset, this can go up to as much as £14.
The National Federation of Fish Friers attributes the increase to the Cost of Living Crisis, which has led to a surge in food and energy prices.
Stuart Devine, area director for the NFFF informed BBC News: ‘Costs are soaring. You either raise your prices or risk going out of business.’
There has also been a poor potato harvest in recent years due to extreme weather changes, contributing to the rise in potato prices. Last year, the ONS reported that potato prices increased by 24.8%
In comparison, the cost of chicken and chips only increased by 89p, reaching a high of £6.18.
However, some individuals argue that the shift in preference is simply because chicken and chips are superior to fish and chips, with one Twitter user expressing it as: ‘Fried chicken feeds my soul!’
There is a strong affection for both fish and chips and fried chicken, but which do you prefer?
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