Fred Sirieix challenges Brits to blind taste test as majority dislike foods they haven't tried
The survey was commissioned by Boursin Plant-based, who partnered with television food expert Fred Sirieix to conduct blind taste tests at food festivals across the summer. Sushi, black pudding, and kimchi are among the foods people most commonly dislike without trying first, along with plant-based alternatives to cheese and anchovies. Tofu, liver, and plant-based equivalents to milk also featured in the top 10.
Remarkably, 65 per cent of those surveyed regard themselves as adventurous diners, whilst 74 per cent declared they would be open to sampling new foods.
Fred Sirieix commented: "Brits claim to eagerly embrace culinary trends and global flavours, but they can be particularly prejudiced when it comes to certain foods, and this is one of the biggest barriers to discovery.
"Many ingredients including plant-based alternatives to cheese have huge negative preconceptions. But despite many claiming they'd be able to differentiate plant-based from dairy, even the most discerning foodies were fooled by this plant-based alternative to cheese when we let taste do the talking."
Despite these figures, only 17 per cent actually admitted to being fussy eaters. However, six in ten would openly say they didn't like something if they were served something unappetising.
On the flip side, 28 per cent would be willing to give it a go, which in the case of 53 per cent has paid off as they admit they have changed their minds about something they thought they hated once they tried it.
The main reasons for sampling unfamiliar tastes include blind taste tests or discovering the health benefits of a food.
Fred Sirieix, on behalf of Boursin, added: "People are very clearly confident in their ability to tell dairy from plant-based alternatives but as we saw from experience, this was not actually the case.
"In reality, less than 10 per cent of people at the Foodies festival were able to differentiate between Boursin plant-based and dairy.
"It just goes to show - there's a whole world of flavours out there waiting to be explored if you're brave enough.
"Even ingredients you might dismiss because of previous experiences, judgements, or assumptions can still surprise you if prepared in the right way.
"So, embrace the challenge and let the taste do the talking."
Sushi
Black pudding
Kimchi
Plant-based alternatives to cheese
Anchovies
Tofu
Blue cheese
Duck
Liver
Plant-based alternatives to milk
Prawns
Olives
Asparagus
Spicy curry
Kale
Pickles
Beetroot
Coriander
Brussel sprouts
Mushrooms
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Family's heart attacks forced me to check-up - what I found is lesson to all'
You're never too young to get a full picture of your cardio health as one reader found out in her early 30s – it can be the difference to a healthy ticker and a longer life While cardiovascular disease (CVD) is commonly associated with older generations, new data now shows that this is not the case. Over half of Brits aged 28 to 40 and almost a third of 25 to 30-year-olds have a heart age older than their actual age. Put simply, says Lead Clinical Director at PocDoc, Dr Kate Bunyan, 'their cardiovascular health is poorer than expected for their biological age - increasing their risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious related conditions.' Younger adults are now urged to take control and prioritise a heart health check earlier, challenging the common misconception that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is only a concern later in life. These insights follow last year's launch of PocDoc's Healthy Heart Check – a digital at-home test providing a full cholesterol profile, BMI, NHS heart age, and a 10-year CVD risk assessment. Dr Kate adds, 'Heart age is calculated using factors such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, weight, and height, which can be worsened by habits like a poor diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. In fact, research suggests an unhealthy diet is associated with a 64% increase in death from cardiometabolic causes in people aged 25-34. When someone's heart age exceeds their biological age, it signals an urgent need for lifestyle changes or, in some cases, medical intervention.' Vital warning signs aren't always apparent either, with it easy to appear fit and healthy whilst silently suffering. Early detection, lifestyle changes, or treatment at a younger age could significantly reduce the long-term impact of cardiovascular disease, yet with many remaining unaware of their risks until it's too late, we explore ways to keep your heart in tip top shape… Get to bed Cardiologist Dr Jack Wolfson, who is known as the Natural Heart Doctor, advises, 'Whatever time you're currently going to bed, make it an hour earlier'. He highlights the importance of good sleep quality in regulating blood pressure, inflammation, and stress levels. Sleep also plays a vital role in hormone balance and bodily recovery. Slash screen time Whilst younger generations are never far from a screen, Dr Jack suggests cutting down on technology use, stating, 'Just dial down on the tech, you'll be much better off.' Reducing screen time can lead to improved sleep, decreased stress, and more opportunities for engaging in heart-healthy activities. Excessive screen time, particularly before bedtime, can interfere with your body's natural sleep-wake cycle and contribute to mental fatigue. Enjoy the outdoors 'Stand outside barefoot – it's called grounding, and it's great for your heart,' Dr Jack explains. Making direct contact with the earth is thought to enhance circulation and help reduce inflammation. In general, spending more time outdoors can significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack. The benefits of fresh air, natural light, and physical activity are immense for both heart health and general wellbeing. Eat a Mediterranean diet Dr Roy Jogiya, chief medical adviser at Heart Research UK, insists the Mediterranean diet is still the best way to go for true heart health.'This diet emphasises whole foods, healthy fats like olive oil and nuts,fruits and vegetables. It's rich in monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL(good) cholesterol. It contains antioxidants and polyphenols. The diet is high in fibre for blood sugar control and lowering blood pressure.' Go nuts for nuts! Cholesterol charity Heart UK believes one in every four UK adults has metabolic syndrome – a group of conditions that could increase the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. A recent experiment by them has proven that eating almonds daily can reduce LDL cholesterol which, when heightened, can cause heart attacks. Valentina Milanova, 31, from London is the founder and CEO of health business Daye and was shocked to discover her heart age was nearly a decade older than her young age. 'I couldn't believe it when I checked my heart health - I was in disbelief and confused. I run a healthcare business myself, I know how important it is to look after yourself, and I like to think I have a pretty healthy and active lifestyle. I exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet of whole foods, but being an entrepreneur comes with a lot of stress, which affects my overall well-being. 'I didn't want to wait for something to go wrong to start caring about my heart. So when I heard about PocDoc's Healthy Heart Check, it was a no-brainer. I did the test at home and in less than ten minutes I was given potentially lifesaving information about my health, which has changed the way I view and act about my heart health. 'Scarily, my results were a wake-up call and showed I have a heart age of 39, which is eight older than my actual age. Not only did they make me think about my own health differently, they also made me realise that broader perceptions of heart health need to change. It's not something that can only affect you in your 50s; it poses a real risk which many people my age don't think about. 'My father had multiple stents installed and had heart disease most of his adult life. My grandparents also suffered from heart attacks and heart disease. Checking early is so valuable because it enables people like me with a family history of heart disease to check in conveniently on their heart health. 'My results also gave me the push I needed to focus more on stress management. I scroll through the results when I need an extra bit of motivation to hit the gym or avoid unhealthy foods. I've also been recommending the test to my friends and colleagues - I wish that more people become actively engaged with managing their heart health.' 'Currently there is a misconception that heart disease only affects older people - experiences like mine clearly show that this is not the case. What I've realised is that you can never be too proactive about your health. 'Knowledge really is power, it could be the decision that saves your life later down the line! What I've learnt is just because you're young, it doesn't mean you're invincible.'
Daily Mirror
19 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Medical conditions that could make you exempt from paying council tax
You could be exempt from paying council tax if you suffer from one of several medical condition (Image: GETTY) You could be partially or completely exempt from paying council tax if you suffer from one of several medical conditions. Hundreds of thousands of people across England, Scotland and Wales could be entitled to this reduction without realising it, according to MoneySavingExpert (MSE). The average annual band D bill - the standard measure of council tax - stands at £2,280 per year in total - meaning being eligible for a council tax reduction could see households save hundreds of pounds annually. This comes after council tax bills were hiked in April, with nearly all councils pushing bills up by close to, or at, the maximum rate allowed. On average, council tax bills have risen by 5.1% over the past two years. This comes after news of state pension payment changes for August as people told to 'be aware' . READ MORE: Universal Credit changes 'may see lower payments for people with six conditions' READ MORE: Brits warned over 'simple mistake' after pension pot is hit by £80,000 blow Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK could be entitled to this reduction without realising it (Image: Getty Images) Since April 1, the average annual band D bill - the standard measure of council tax - totals £2,280 per year. That represents a £109 jump from last year and a 20% surge from five years ago when the average bill stood at £1,898. However, people who are classified as "severely mentally impaired" may be able to claim up to 50% off their bill - or in the most severe cases have the entire bill scrapped completely, reports the Manchester Evening News. According to the Government, there are two criteria a person needs to meet to qualify for the discount: They must have a certificate from a medical professional confirming that they're "severally mentally impaired" (i.e. GP) They must be able to prove they're claiming certain benefits The government does not define what it means by "severely mentally impaired" but MSE suggests there are several conditions that may qualify for the discount. According to MSE, the following conditions may qualify: Dementia (including Alzheimer's) Parkinson's Severe learning difficulties Multiple sclerosis Cerebral palsy Severe stroke Schizophrenia However, whether the discount is granted or not will depend on an individual's own circumstances and a diagnosis of one of the above does not necessarily mean the discount will be granted. MSE explains: "You can be diagnosed as SMI as a result of a range of conditions – which could include things like dementia, Schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, having had a stroke, or having had an accident which permanently affects your intelligence and social functioning." "Many conditions can underlie being SMI, but no condition means a person is definitely also SMI. Being SMI is a doctor's diagnosis in its own right." To be eligible for the reduction, a GP must supply a certificate confirming that the patient is "severely mentally impaired". Under the law, a person may be classified as such if they have "a severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning (however caused) which appears to be permanent". READ MORE: HMRC warning as people risk fines with deadline fast approaching To be eligible for the reduction you must also be able to demonstrate you are receiving certain benefits, or in some cases, just that you are entitled to them. Eligible benefits may include: Attendance Allowance Universal Credit Disability Living Allowance Income Support Personal Independence Payment Additional details can be found on the website and local councils can provide complete eligibility requirements for the reduction on their websites. If you live alone then your council tax reduction will be 100% - meaning you won't have to pay any council tax. You could potentially receive a 50% discount on your council tax bill if you only live with individuals who are 'disregarded' from council tax - those not counted when determining the number of people in a household, such as individuals under 18, those on certain apprenticeship schemes, full-time students, live-in carers and diplomats. If you reside with one other individual who is not discounted, then you can obtain a 25% discount. Depending on the local council to which you pay your tax, you might also be eligible for back payments. As per MSE, some councils will retroactively apply the discount by six years, but each council has its own policy and they are not legally required to backdate the discount.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
First picture of teacher who died after getting £1,500 hair transplant in Turkey
Martyn Latchman, 38, died after receiving the cosmetic procedure at a private clinic called CINIK. A teacher who died after getting a £1,500 hair transplant in Turkey has been named and pictured. Martyn Latchman died earlier this week after he flew to Istanbul to have the cosmetic procedure at a private clinic called CINIK. Turkish media report that the 38-year-old suffered complications following the procedure. He was rushed to a nearby fully equipped university hospital for treatment. However, despite ongoing intensive care treatment throughout the day, he sadly died. Martyn's body has since been flown back to the UK and his family and friends have paid emotional tributes to him. Police investigating his death are reportedly considering possible 'reckless homicide' with staff at the clinic as well as the surgeon who performed the transplant all interviewed by police, alongside the firm's anaesthesiologist and nurses. The Mirror reports that the Turkish clinic has since said it undertook all the necessary medical evaluations and tests. According to the firm, the man had previously undergone a successful hair transplant there and had returned for a second procedure. The firm said he fell ill prior to this second procedure. CINIK say they are satisfied all correct steps were taken, like they have been for the 70,000 hair transplant procedures performed at its surgery. Martyn, had been an assistant headteacher at the Goldington Academy where he was also head of computer science, between 2016 and 2024. He then left this role to work as a network administrator with a private defence contractor in Northampton, according to the MailOnline. Family member Yashley Latchman posted a picture of the pair working out at a gym, on Facebook, with a heartbreaking tribute. Yashley said: "Rest in peace my brother. You will forever be my source of inspiration and motivation. Thanks for everything. We will miss you loads." Other family members turned their social media profiles black as a sign of mourning following the tragedy. The Foreign Office said: "We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities." The Turkish Healthcare Travel Council reports over one million people travel to Turkey annually for hair restoration treatments. Last year, data from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons showed that the number of people requiring hospital treatment in the UK after cosmetic surgery abroad rose by 94 per cent in three years. Complications included wound healing and even sepsis. Over three quarters of those procedures were carried out in Turkey, but other countries included the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland and Romania. Brits head to these destinations mostly for the reduced prices, which can be up to 70 per cent cheaper than in the UK.
