There’s something about food from our childhood whether it’s a memory of something we once loved and can’t get our hands on now or something we remember being served up as kids.
New research has revealed the top 10 most nostalgic foods for Brits – see if you agree.
The study commissioned by EXTRA Gum revealed that the top flavours most likely to remind Brits of their childhood are jelly (42%), eggs and soldiers (34%) and fish fingers (42%).
Brits’ top 10 most nostalgic foods
The research was conducted by 72 Point in June 2023 of 2,000 UK adults and these are the top 10 most nostalgic foods for Brits.
It was carried out to celebrate the new flavour of EXTRA Gum – Strawberry and Lemon.
- Wobbly jelly (42%)
- Boiled eggs and soldiers (34%)
- Fish fingers (34%)
- Home-cooked roast dinner (33%)
- Biscuits from a metal tin (32%)
- Ice cream (32%)
- Custard (32%)
- Ice pops (30%)
- Jam sandwiches (30%)
- Baked beans (25%)
A stick of fruity flavoured gum is also a food that transports some Brits (42%) back to their childhood, the research shows.
For 37% of Brits, a lemon & strawberry flavour combination is also associated with their adolescence.
In fact, 1 in 5 Brits believe tucking into classic flavours from the 80’s and 90’s helps reduce their anxiety and boosts their mood with a further 25% admitting classic flavour combinations make them feel comforted.
Psychology expert Jo Hemmings says positive experiences associated with a particular dish, food or flavour can provoke strong feelings of comfort, security and happiness.
Jo Hemmings said: “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’”.
According to Hemmings, food nostalgia is a powerful emotion as it involves all five senses and has the ability to transport you back to the past, connecting you with people, social gatherings, and places you hold dear.
Some Brits (49%) agree with this and claim that nostalgic meals or snacks with loved ones brings them closer together.
Within this group, 58% explained this is because they can reminisce over fond memories of the food.
Jo Hemmings comments: “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. Taste and smell are among the strongest nostalgia triggers of all, instantly reminds us of when we felt happy and comforted.
“For example, the familiar smell of fruity flavoured gum isn’t just about the gum, but also about time spent after school with friends and hanging out during the summer holidays. All this stimulus in the environment become associated with the reinforcing properties of that gum.”
Karina Solovey, EXTRA senior brand manager, said: “We all love a trip down memory lane. After all, who doesn’t love a bowl of jelly and ice cream or a stick of strawberry & lemon flavoured gum to perk up their day and transport them back to their childhood?
"The smallest things can change someone’s day, from relieving stress to building a connection with friends and family.”
