The poll by refurbished device marketplace Back Market found the other most nostalgic foods included fish fingers (28%), soft boiled egg & soldiers (27%), salt & shake crisps (27%) wagon wheels (27%) and cola bottles (26%).
Of the 2,000 British adults surveyed, 95% agreed that certain foods instantly remind them of their childhood, with 70% believing certain flavours can be more nostalgic than looking through old photos. Just under half (47%) feel that food has the ability to transport them back to a specific time and place.
More than eight in ten (83%) believe that retro foods are making a comeback, with 79% of those surveyed purchasing foods from their childhoods to introduce to their own kids, while almost half (46%) say younger generations are embracing retro recipes.
Back Market has partnered with Great British Menu winner Kirk Haworth of Plates London to reimagine Brits most nostalgic meals and champion dishes from days gone by such as the humble fish finger sandwich and Angel Delight – using refurbished kitchen equipment.
Haworth said: “As a chef, I’m always inspired by the stories that food can tell, and the nostalgia we feel around our favourite childhood meals is incredibly powerful.”
Most loved British childhood foods:
- Angel Delight – 36% Said this was one of the most comforting and nostalgic foods from their childhood
- Mr Whippy – 30%
- Jelly and ice cream – 30%
- Chip shop fish and chips– 29%
- Fish fingers – 28%
- Soft boiled egg and soldiers – 27%
- Salt and shake crisps – 27%
- Wagon Wheels – 27%
- Cola Bottles – 26%
- Rice Pudding – 26%
- Flying Saucers – 25%
- Arctic Roll – 25%
- Custard – 25%
- Curly Wurlys – 24%
- Beans on toast – 24%
- Walls Viennetta – 23%
- Fairy Cakes – 22%
- Nesquik – 22%
- Chocolate Cornflake Cakes – 22%
- Jam Roly Poly – 22%
- Sherbet Lemons – 21%
- Swiss Roll – 21%
- Rhubarb and Custard sweets – 21%
- Candyfloss – 20%
- Sausage and mash – 20%
- Dolly Mix – 20%
- Toffee Apples – 19%
- Sponge puddings with custard – 19%
- Pear drops – 19%
- Alphabetti Spaghetti – 19%
- Spaghetti on toast – 18%
- Findus Crispy Pancakes – 18%
- Crumpets with butter – 18%
- Potato smiles – 18%
- Eggy bread – 18%
- Toad in the hole – 18%
- Potato waffles – 18%
- Victoria Sponge cake – 17%
- Knickerbocker Glory – 16%
- Sausage rolls – 16%