Brits’ Revealed: Unveiling Most Common Barbecue Behaviours and the Top Food Maximizing Method

‘PLATE piling’ has been voted the most common barbecue behaviour, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 adults who enjoy a good grill has found 28 per cent admit to loading their dish with as much food as possible when attending the popular garden get-together.

The top barbecue behaviours have been revealed, including ‘plate piling’Credit: Getty

Fear of an empty buffet, not being bothered to get up again for seconds and having eyes bigger than their bellies were cited as the top reasons for this.

Other classic barbecue archetypes include someone who will simply enjoy having food delivered to them so they never have to stand up.

The ‘food dropper’ was also highlighted – someone who is notorious for ending up with more grub on the floor than on their plate.

Nearly a fifth (18 per cent) think a barbecue will always have someone who insists on cutlery rather than eating with their hands.

And 35 per cent reckon every barbecue has someone who considers it their job to make sure everyone’s drinks are topped up at all times.

The research was commissioned by long-life bakery brand Baker Street, to launch new Jumbo Hot Dog and Mega Burger Buns alongside their standard range.

A spokesperson said: “The results suggest that barbecue season really brings out the best in people and these findings really paints a lovely picture of summer in Britain.

“For many of us, these garden gatherings are the best thing about summer and one thing everyone seems to agree on when it comes to barbies is that food is of course, of paramount importance.”

The research also found 32 per cent claim they have to ‘hold back’ from eating all they want at a barbie, for fear of being deemed greedy.

And with good reason as 11 per cent have judged people we thought have eaten too much at a garden get-together.

However, 45 per cent say all food rules – such as portion size, having sweet and savoury treats on one plate – go out the window as soon as the grill is fired up, with 62 per cent happy to mix meats during dining.

Respondents typically attend four barbeques each a year although 10 per cent will attend up to 10, according to the OnePoll.com data.

In addition to this, the average barbecue-loving Brit will host three of their own, with nearly a tenth (nine per cent) admitting they have regretted spending so much on food for greedy-guts-guests.

But when they go out to enjoy the summer staple, during a two-hour barbie, adults will spend a solid 31 minutes eating.

Only 14 per cent have ever experienced a cook-out that was short on food as it emerged 53 per cent will always bring an offering, such as extra burger buns.

The average barbecue lover will reload their plates twice during this time, with the most enjoyable classics revealed as burgers (49 per cent), sausages (42 per cent) and chicken kebabs (21 per cent).

A mild-mannered 62 per cent avoid being first or last to the buffet with 42 per cent always getting food for someone else before serving themselves.

More than half (55 per cent) offer to help the host and 48 per cent are always on hand to clean up – but a cheeky 10 per cent admit to being the leave to avoid having to do this

However, 53 per cent are typically always the first to leave to not outstay their welcome.

More than half (56 per cent) claim barbecues are the best thing about summer with 27 per cent saying there is no limit to their appetite when at one.

What’s more, 15 per cent even said they would be tempted by what’s been left on the plates of others.

Baker Street’s spokesperson added: “Our findings show there is no limit to their appetite at a barbecue and as a nation looking to cut down on leftovers, Brits would be tempted by what’s left on the plates of others.”

For barbecue ideas and tips on how to avoid food waste, head to www.lovebakerstreet.com