Quarter of Brits skip breakfast due to lack of time, options and wanting a bigger lunch, survey shows
CEREAL KILLERS Quarter of Brits skip breakfast due to lack of time, options and wanting a bigger lunch, survey shows
A QUARTER of Brits skip breakfast most days – citing a lack of options, limited time, and a preference for a bigger lunch.
A new survey shows that people are more likely to skip their first meal on weekdays, and that Millennials eat breakfast the least out of any generation.
Advertisement
2
While many skip their first meal on weekdays, a lot of Brits report going "all out" on weekends
2
Failing to start the day with breakfast means, for most, that they will not eat anything until lunchtime
Credit: SWNS
A poll of 2,000 adults found 34 per cent of those who skip breakfast do so because they don't have enough time in the morning.
While 13 per cent go without because they opt to have a large lunch instead and 12 per cent because they have nothing in their cupboards to eat.
And when they don't manage to eat first thing, on average they won't eat until midday.
However, 43 per cent are less likely to avoid breakfast at the weekends, with 29 per cent of those eat breakfast admitting they like to go all out at that time of the week.
Advertisement
This is especially the case for Millennials (44 per cent) who do this more than any other generation – just ahead of Gen Zs (35 per cent).
A spokesperson for McDonald's UK, which commissioned the research and has launched its first-ever Breakfast Saver Menu trial across 332 restaurants, featuring Sausage Sandwich and Saver Bacon Roll options, said: 'It's widely regarded as the most important meal of the day, yet it often gets neglected.
'This is understandable as we might wake up with good intentions only for them to fall by the wayside.
'Life moves fast – especially it seems, first thing in the morning when you need to get out and away without delay.'
Advertisement
It emerged 57 per cent have woken up with the intention of having breakfast but failing to do so.
Again, lack of time is a factor (47 per cent), along with not feeling hungry (34 per cent), not wanting what's in their cupboards (14 per cent).
Costco shoppers rave over 'delish' breakfast sandwich that's 'better than McDonald's' for just $2.06
As many as 37 per cent eat the same thing for breakfast everyday – with 28 per cent enjoying a variety.
However, 44 per cent 'like' the idea of switching things up.
Advertisement
Overall, the most popular options are cereal (48 per cent), toast (47 per cent), and fruit (26 per cent).
And the overwhelming majority of those who eat breakfast enjoy it – with 47 per cent of the opinion it's the most important meal of the day.
While 43 per cent went as far as describing their meal choices as 'exciting', although 47 per cent feel differently, describing their go-to breakfasts as 'not exciting.'
Carried out through OnePoll, the research found 58 per cent typically have breakfast at home but 22 per cent 'crave' a breakfast they can't make at home.
Advertisement
A spokesperson for McDonald's UK added: 'Breakfast doesn't have to be something you mindlessly eat just for the sake of it.
'Even when you're in a rush it can still be something nice – and it doesn't need to cost the earth.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
a day ago
- Scotsman
Brits are most likely to say ‘yes' to new opportunities at the age of 27
Brits are most likely to say 'yes' to new opportunities at the age of 27, a study has found. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A poll of 2,000 adults found 69 per cent admit they 'play it safe' in life, with 39 per cent determined to say 'yes' more often. And the average adult typically turns something down as often as twice a week. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It also emerged just 26 per cent of over 35s feel they are more likely to say yes to opportunities now, than they did 20 years ago. Of those who felt the opposite, being settled into a routine (41 per cent) was considered the biggest barrier, while others blamed life being more complicated now (35 per cent), being too tired (33 per cent) and wanting to plan things in advance (33 per cent). And 59 per cent hope to be less 'afraid' of taking on new challenges in the future. The study was commissioned by Halfords, which is partnering with 'Yes Man', Danny Wallace, to highlight the positive benefits of being open to new experiences this summer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Danny Wallace said: "Twenty years ago I decided to say 'yes' to whatever came my way… and it led to the best adventures. 'I went places I would never have gone and I met people I'd never have met. I tried new things and made new memories. So, when Halfords asked me to celebrate twenty years by hopping in a car and trying more new stuff, it would have been weird to say no. 'Even though when they asked me if I'd like 'to go sea kayaking', I thought they meant they were just going to take me to 'see kayaking', which would have been a lot easier. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'That said, saying yes more is something we should all try and build into our days. Yes to something different or new. I wholeheartedly support you doing the same this summer.' The study also revealed the top things Brits would like to try for the first time, with mastering a foreign language topping the list (21 per cent). Others would like to skydive or learn a musical instrument (both 15 per cent) or even move abroad (14 per cent). Go to more gigs and concerts (13 per cent), get a tattoo (13 per cent) and run a marathon (12 per cent) also featured in the top 20 list. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Commissioned via OnePoll, it also found 27 per cent have been told by others that they should say yes more often. But 62 per cent reckon they'd be much more inclined to try something new if they were able to prepare for it in advance. Paul Ray, from Halfords, which is encouraging people to give their car a 'Free 5 Point Summer Check' to ensure it's ready for adventure, said: 'While Brits might get set in their ways, 62 per cent feel they would be more likely to say YES if they felt ready for anything, especially when the sun's out and the kids are off school. 'Saying 'yes' more often can open doors you didn't even know existed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "Whether it's trying something new, meeting someone unexpected, or stepping slightly out of your comfort zone, those small yeses can add up to big life shifts. 'Don't let worrying about the car be the reason you say 'no' to a last-minute trip to the beach or a spontaneous camping weekend. It's to encourage more Brits to say 'yes' this summer | Joe Pepler/PinPep Top 20 things Brits would like to say 'yes' to for the first time: Master a foreign language Skydive Learn a musical instrument Move abroad Move to the countryside Go to more gigs and concerts Retire Get a tattoo Go down a zip wire Run a marathon Learn how to dance Climb a mountain Try surfing Travel solo Start a new career Sea kayaking Go on a roadtrip Take up yoga Move to a different city Paint or draw
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Joe Swash reveals the two things he and wife Stacey Solomon can't go on holiday without
JOE Swash has revealed the two things he and Stacey Solomon can't go on holiday without, as the family gear up for their summer getaway. The 43-year-old former EastEnders star and his X Factor contestant wife are planning to jet off to sunnier climates in the coming months - but haven't landed on a location yet. 5 Joe Swash has revealed the two things he and Stacey Solomon can't go on holiday without Credit: SWNS 5 The former EastEnders star and his X Factor contestant wife are planning to jet off to sunnier climates in the coming months Credit: Instagram / @staceysolomon But no matter where they go, they'll end up packing two things as they always do - a crafts box to keep their young children entertained, and flotation devices to keep them safe in the water. Joe said: "Stacey likes to travel with a craft box so the kids can stick out things together and do a bit of drawing. "But we also like to do things with the younger ones, Belle and Rose. Rex not so much now as he's a bit older and he can swim really well, but we make sure we get the armbands for swimming properly. "You can go on holiday and then it's a nightmare if you can't get the right ones. We always want to make sure they have the right swimming equipment so they're safe before we go, so we know that box is ticked." Joe revealed the family are weighing up where to go – but that decision is out of his hands and will be down to the kids. Joe said: 'We do like to go away with a lot of family as well so I'm sure there's going to be more than just us lot. 'We like to go to Turkey as that's where the kids love. We're not 100 per cent sure where it'll be, but there's going to be a lot of us. 'We are driven by what the kids love – wherever they want to go, we do.' Stacey Solomon hits back at cruel troll who branded her a 'horse mouth' He added: 'Our kids have never loved kids club, but they love water parks, swimming, playing sports, football and tennis. 'They've got huge amounts of energy to burn off and because we've got so many of them, there's never a dull moment. "I always say to Stacey that we need a holiday after the holiday.' One thing which never changes is the drenching one another with water when the sun is out. And as summer approaches, Joe has teamed up with Jammie Dodgers, to unveil a limited-edition Super Soaker made in collaboration with Nerf, which has been created to inspire kids to get outside in the sun, and 100 are up being given away every day until 31 July. 'We're always trying to get the kids out into the garden and we're chucking water at each other so it's right up my street. 'I usually come out on top because I can carry the most water.' Discussing his collaboration with the biscuit brand Joe said: 'Jammie Dodgers have been in my family for years - I grew up with them, they were something my mum used to buy and it's something our kids love having as well.' He also revealed his and Stacey's plans to turn their Pickle Cottage to Animal Farm – by getting in goats, pigs and other farmyard animals. The 43-year-old former EastEnders star and his wife have been busy with home and garden improvements to their Essex abode, with one of the latest additions including a beehive. But not settling there, Joe opened the door for the possibility of more animals joining their growing family, which already includes dogs, ducks and fish. 'We had more chickens arrive the other day and I've heard rumours there might be rabbits on the way. 'There's always something new. I wouldn't be surprised if a goat popped up, or a pig. I feel like we're at that stage now.' The first bits of honey were extracted from their beehive recently, and so far, none of the family has been stung – although their dog Peanut did get nipped. 'I think he might have got a bit too close the other day, but he won't be doing that again,' Joe said. Joe and Stacey's interest in becoming more sustainable has spilled over into growing more fruit and vegetables and is something the whole family take part in. Growing fruit and veg in the garden has provided the perfect learning experience for their young children Rex, five, Rose, three, and Belle, two, to learn about where food comes from. Joe said: 'The question is what Stacey isn't growing, that would be easier to answer. She's really transformed the garden and really found a passion for it.' 5 As summer approaches Joe has teamed up with Jammie Dodgers to unveil a limited-edition Super Soaker Credit: BBC 5 The couple will end up packing two things as they always do - a crafts box and flotation devices Credit: BBC
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
We swapped stressful UK for sun-drenched Spanish island & save £2.3k a month on rent – if you WFH, it's a perfect move
Dad Ruben Diegz reveals his top tips if YOU want to start a dream new life abroad just like his family-of-three GRAN PLAN We swapped stressful UK for sun-drenched Spanish island & save £2.3k a month on rent – if you WFH, it's a perfect move ENJOYING a sunset walk along the beach with his partner and their five-year-old son, Ruben Diegz relishes the warm air, music playing on the beach and quality family time. But the trio are not on holiday - they left Britain for a break four years ago and decided to stay, swapping their "stressed-out lives" to pursue a dream of beach living and a cheaper way of life. Advertisement 10 Ruben Diegz, his partner Lisa Perri and their son swapped their life in the UK to live on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria Credit: Ruben and Lisa Perri 10 The family were lured by the sunny weather, beaches and laid-back way of life Credit: Ruben and Lisa Perri 10 They rent a four-bedroom rooftop apartment for a fraction of the cost of a similar property in Surrey Credit: Ruben and Lisa Perri Their new home is a spacious four-bedroom villa style apartment with sea views in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, part of the Canary Islands located just 150 miles off the coast of Africa. In the island archipelago paradise, loved by Brit tourists for their cobalt blue skies, billowing palm trees and black volcanic sand beaches, a pint costs £1.50, cappuccinos around £1.40 and fresh seafood is in abundance. Advertisement The family pay just £700 a month for their four-bedroom apartment, which features an open plan roof garden and balcony for evening meals. Renting their island home is a third of the cost of a one-bedroom flat in London, which costs around £2,000 a month, and £2,300 a month cheaper than the cost of a similar size property in Woking, where the couple lived previously. Ruben, 40, tells The Sun he, his partner Lisa Perri, 36, and their son 'couldn't be happier or more content" with their new life. 'It was a snap decision, a life altering one, but I knew it was the right thing for myself and our family," he says. "We now get to raise our son in a sub-tropical paradise where the sun shines 300 days a year. Advertisement 'Making the decision was easy. Packing up home took longer, but it was worth the effort. 'We have access to amazing quality seafood, fruits and vegetables, everyone is more relaxed and less stressed. The best thing is our son is having an island upbringing." Dubbed a "miniature continent" and home to almost 300,000 expats, Gran Canaria is the third-largest of the Spanish Canaries and considered one of the best islands in Spain to live by Brits lured by warm weather and cheap rents. Stunning Seaside Miami-style beach hotel in Maspalomas offers sun, sand dunes and 70s chic Maspalomas, where Ruben and Lisa now call home, offers a cost of living which is half as cheap (48.5 per cent) as London. In 2023, Gran Canaria welcomed approximately 947,449 British tourists, a record high for the island, with that number expected to top a million this year. Advertisement Airline company staffer Lisa and Ruben, who runs an online e-commerce company, have been together since July 2010 after meeting through friends. The couple were living in Ruben's two-bedroom flat in Woking, Surrey, when they flew to Gran Canaria in March 2021, eager to escape lockdown and enjoy a sun-drenched holiday. Ruben recalls: 'Just flying out for a break was a huge relief. 'While we were there a new lockdown began and we couldn't leave the island. I wanted to be able to take our son to the park without seeing gangs of youths and be able to buy a meal out without having to get a loan Ruben Diegz 'There were no flights out, but thankfully both Lisa and I were able to work from home. We spent the next six months staying in an Airbnb on the island.' Advertisement The pair admit it was "an absolute joy". 'Everyone was so relaxed. The weather was amazing. The air was clean and the huge sense of worry which hung over Britain was not present,' says Ruben. 'I knew if we were to build a future, Gran Canaria was the place to do it. 'I wanted to be able to take our son to the park without seeing gangs of youths and be able to buy a meal out without having to get a loan. 'We both realised we had to make a radical change to ditch Woking and Britain for the no stress life offered in Gran Canaria.' Advertisement Easy decision 10 The family felt the Canaries offered a fresh start for them Credit: Ruben and Lisa Perri 10 Ruben says the cost of a family meal out is usually under £40 Credit: Ruben and Lisa Perri 10 Gran Canaria is adored by Brits Credit: Ruben and Lisa Perri When they were able to return to the UK at the end of 2021, they flew home to tell friends and family they were moving abroad. 'They all thought we were crazy. Many people couldn't understand what motivated us or how we even planned to do it," Ruben admits. Advertisement 'They thought the idea was bonkers but it's the easiest decision we ever made." Ruben let out his Woking flat and used savings to fund the move. They began renting their Maspalomas apartment in January 2023. Back in Woking, renting a four-bedroom property would have set the family back approximately £3,000 a month. Lisa says: 'We can't believe how much space we have. Our son can play and have the best time. Advertisement Our rooftop is larger than the size of a normal British terraced house garden. Ruben Diegz 'Homes in Gran Canaria are more spacious, open plan and designed for relaxed family living and entertaining. The emphasis is on the quality of time you spend with each other.' Ruben adds: 'Our rooftop is larger than the size of a normal British terraced house garden - you can BBQ on it and enjoy relaxed evenings in summer." The couple's apartment was furnished but they say most landlords will allow you to move out items you don't want. Once they'd settled, Lisa found a job in a health and beauty spa before beginning her current role at an airline company. 'For many people, moving their entire life to a new country is terrifying," says Ruben. Advertisement 'As soon as we got back to Maspalomas I felt 10 years younger! The weight of the world lifted and the stress of living in Britain washed away. 'Life here instantly felt easier. We were welcomed by our neighbours and after two weeks I felt like I'd been living here all my life. 'The locals all say hello when you walk down the street. Everyone knows each other and there is a kindness you experience here that you don't get in London.' 'Healthy change' 10 Ruben says his health has improved since moving to Gran Canaria Credit: Ruben and Lisa Perri 10 The couple admit their family thought they were mad Credit: Ruben and Lisa Perri Advertisement During lockdown in Britain, Ruben suffered from stress alopecia, but since moving to Gran Canaria, it's disappeared. 'It was the healthy change my body needed," he says. "Lisa also feels amazing. Our family is glowing." Monthly bills are also significantly less costly than in the UK. Electricity, which includes heating and air conditioning as well as water, is £60 a month. The couple pay £28 a month for their internet, with a phone landline and two mobile phones included in the package. 'Wi-Fi is super-fast here. It's one of the reasons Gran Canaria is so popular with digital nomads,' says Ruben. Advertisement Our son attends the local international school and it costs £500 a month. That's half the price of nursery back in Britain Lisa Perri Ruben pays £28 for a premium gym membership each month. While cars are generally more expensive - the couple paid £4,000 for a second-hand Clio - they're cheaper to run. 'Petrol is £1.10 a litre," says Ruben. "A taxi will cost around £1.70 a kilometre - in London it is up to double the price." The family eat out at local restaurants at least three times a week, with a three-course meal for two costing less than £40. A local beer will set you back £1.15, while locally produced wine sells for £4.82 a bottle in the supermarket. Advertisement Island-grown tomatoes, bananas, oranges, avocado, papaya, olives, cucumbers and aubergines are always available in local markets and supermarkets. The couple spend £90 a week on supermarket shopping. Milk is 87p a litre, fresh bakery bread is £1, a dozen eggs costs £2.38 while locally produced cheese is £8.55 a kilo. 'It's amazing to buy fruit and veg just from the fields', Lisa says. 'You realise just how expensive it is to buy food in Britain when you live here. You start questioning why food back home is so expensive." New community 10 The family have made new friends by joining sports teams like their local Padel side Credit: Ruben and Lisa Perri Advertisement 10 Their new family home is a dream for entertaining Credit: Ruben and Lisa Perri The couple say they've integrated well into the expat community by joining local sport groups. Ruben plays football for an expat team every Tuesday and Thursday, and the couple also play Padel. 'You get to connect with other expats on WhatsApp groups and everyone knows when the next game or match is and you are never short of a sport to play," Ruben says. 'Making friends is so much easier here.' Lisa says the high education standard is also a big draw for British expats. Advertisement She explains: 'Our son attends the local international school and it costs £500 a month. That's half the price of nursery back in Britain. 'We chose a nursery which is part of the school he will attend for primary school." Lisa adds the meals provided at for the children at school are gourmet compared to British schools. 'The school invited parents to come for lunch. I'd eat the school lunches here every day if I could," she admits. 'Our son is already bi-lingual. Being able to go to the beach for a quick early evening swim with him or have his pals over is so much easier here. The locals are very family-focused." Advertisement Our son is already bi-lingual Lisa Perri Flying to neighbouring islands like Lanzarote and Tenerife costs around £30. 'All the islands are different. You can visit La Gomera, an island with its own whistling language - not something you could easily do from Britain," says Ruben. 'For our family, the dream of island life has become a reality. We are definitely happier, healthier, and better off financially. 'Living in Britain at home seems like a blur now - we're focused on sub-tropical living, sunshine and hope now."
