Brits embrace global flavours as adventurous home cooking trends rise, says Lamb Weston survey

A new nationwide survey commissioned by Lamb Weston has revealed that British consumers are becoming increasingly adventurous with flavours in their home cooking, with younger generations driving a growing trend towards globally inspired meals and flavour experimentation. 

According to the poll of 2,000 UK adults, nearly four in ten respondents (38%) said they are now more experimental with flavours than they were five years ago. The trend is especially prominent among younger consumers, with 60% of 18–24-year-olds and 55% of 25–34-year-olds describing themselves as adventurous when it comes to global flavours.

Mediterranean-inspired fries topped with herbs, feta and fresh flavours showcase how Brits are bringing global cuisine trends into everyday home cooking.

The research highlights how British consumers are not necessarily preparing entirely new dishes, but instead adding international twists to familiar meals. Popular examples include adding chilli oil, garam masala, spiced seasonings and other bold ingredients to classic British foods such as fry-ups and chips. 

More than four in ten respondents (41%) said they mix flavours from different cuisines at least once a week, with the figure climbing to 59% among 18–24-year-olds. 

Mediterranean-inspired flavours — including Italian, Greek and Spanish herbs and olive oils — were the most commonly used at home, chosen by 53% of respondents. Indian flavours such as tikka and garam masala followed closely at 49%, while American-style BBQ flavours and Mexican or Latin American-inspired ingredients such as fajita seasoning, salsa and chipotle were each selected by 36% of participants.

Top 10 global flavours taking over British kitchens. From Mediterranean herbs to Indian masala and chilli oil twists, Brits are embracing bold international tastes at home like never before.

The study suggests that consumers are increasingly using simple everyday foods as a base for flavour experimentation, particularly in busy households seeking quick and easy ways to make midweek meals more exciting without adding extra preparation time. 

The findings also indicate a wider cultural shift in cooking habits, where creativity and enjoyment are becoming more important than traditional approaches. Many consumers are moving beyond classic condiments such as ketchup and exploring ingredients including gochujang and crispy chilli oils.

Chips emerged as one of the most popular foods for experimentation. More than six in ten respondents (61%) said they had added at least one flavour twist to chips at home during the past three months.

Global flavours are taking over British kitchens as adventurous home cooks spice up everyday fries with chilli oil, herbs, sauces and worldwide seasonings.

Seasoning blends including spiced salts and paprika were the most popular additions, used by 27% of respondents. Garlic or herb butter followed at 19%, while 15% said they had added crispy chilli oil and another 15% topped chips with cheese or flavoured sauces.

Alecia Brown, Marketing Manager at Lamb Weston:

"The majority of Brits, especially the younger generations, are becoming more confident experimenting with exuberant worldwide ingredients at home, creating a melting pot of flavours. That doesn’t necessarily mean always cooking complicated dishes from scratch."

"Our research shows that many are taking familiar meals and adding simple twists to make them more exciting. Lamb Weston’s award-winning chips are a great example of this. They’re easy to prepare and go with a wide range of flavours, making them the perfect food for people to get creative in the kitchen."

More information is available on Lamb Weston at Home.