A survey of 2,000 adults unveiled the preferred method of preparing a breakfast mainstay, with over a fifth even suggesting that one’s toast preference could hint at deeper aspects of their personality.
Eight out of 10 agree that toast is a crucial component of a full English breakfast, but more than half confessed to being ‘picky’ about how they like it.
Only 8 per cent like their slices ‘well done’ – sporting a deep brown colour – while 15 per cent choose a lightly toasted version. Over a third believe toast ‘tastes better’ when cut into rectangles, the most favoured shape, with triangles coming in as a close second.
In terms of bread preferences, 49 per cent of those surveyed swear by white bread for toasting, while 24 per cent prefer wholemeal and a smaller 16 per cent opt for sourdough.
But according to Brits the perfect slice of toast is crafted from white bread, toasted to a ‘warm, light-brown’ golden hue, sliced into rectangles, and served warm but not scorching.
This research was commissioned by Premier Inn, in honour of National Toast Day (February 27).
“Brits have a fondness for a cooked breakfast and as our research indicates, toast is undeniably a staple,” commented Chris Seaby, who oversees breakfast menu development at Premier Inn.
The hotel chain serves more than 22 million breakfasts annually and is well-versed in Brits’ favourite breakfast habits.
“People are very specific about their perfect slice. From the choice of bread to the degree of toasting, right down to what we slather on top of it,” said Chris.
According to food psychologist Greg Tucker this means more than we think it does: “Toast is bread changed to suit us. Our choices – like our fashion sense, our friends and our favourite books are all a reflection of our personality.
“You leak clues to your personality by your choices – this is a very personal choice so speaks volumes.”
Discover what your go-to toast says about you.
The study found that 35 per cent of respondents tend to indulge in toast more when they’re in a hotel than at home.
Almost half of toast enthusiasts enjoy a few slices for breakfast, the most popular time, whereas 14 per cent prefer it as a mid-morning snack.
Greg Tucker further explained: “Toast is one of the first forays the growing child makes into preparing their food – quite possibly their first venture into ‘cooking’.
“This is a stage of growing independence and establishing an individual identity within the home.
“Little wonder then that this remains a key part of how we self-identify through our lives as formative choices last into adulthood.”
Chris added: “Toast preferences are very individual, which is why it is so important to offer a good variety of options, including gluten-free.”