With a predicted heatwave on the horizon and National Barbecue Week kicking off on Monday 3rd June, Brits are gearing up for a scorching summer with barbecues at the ready.
The downpours throughout the month of May didn’t halt the nation’s barbecue plans, with Sainsbury’s seeing a spike in searches for products including ‘Brisket’ (47%), ‘Burgers’ (36%) and ‘Ribs’ (29%) compared to the same time last year. This weekend alone saw Sainsbury’s sell one Taste the Difference Melt in the Middle Burger every 30 seconds despite the inconsistent weather.
New research from the supermarket reveals that Brits are looking to get inventive with their culinary palates this summer, as almost a quarter (23%) are seeking fun and innovative twists on the traditional barbecue to entice them to pick up the tongs more. This rises amongst the younger generations with 39% of Gen Z’s and 33% of Millennials seeking ways to spice things up on the grill.
It comes as the new research revealed over a fifth (22%) of Brits plan to celebrate the start of the summer by hosting a barbecue for family and friends.
When it comes to experimenting, Brits are breaking traditions and combining unusual, mouthwatering flavours to enrich the tastebuds. Grilled chicken with Greek yoghurt (18%), maple syrup sausages (16%), hot honey prawns (14%) and chilli jam steaks (13%) are just some of the flavour combinations the nation will be trying out this summer.
The nation’s top 10 unusual flavour pairings for the summer:
- Grilled chicken with Greek yoghurt (18%)
- Maple syrup sausages (16%)
- Hot honey prawns (14%)
- Chilli jam with steaks (13%)
- Feta steak (13%)
- Corn on the cob with jalapenos (12%)
- Blue cheese coleslaw (12%)
- Guacamole potato salad (11%)
- Rib eye infused with a fruit-based marinade (e.g., fig) (10%)
- Marmite potatoes (9%)
The new Sainsbury’s summer range which is influenced by Southern Style flavours inspired by the ultimate American barbecue, has already gone down a storm. Paying homage to flavours from the USA, products such as Taste the Difference Texan King Kebabs rolled off the shelves this weekend, as Sainsbury’s sold 370% more kebabs week on week. Other products from the range include The Taste the Difference Slow Cooked Cherry Wood Smoked Baby Back Ribs and Taste the Difference Slow Cooked Hickory Smoked BBQ Beef Brisket.
Graeme Hibbs, product developer for the barbecue range at Sainsbury’s, commented: “Barbecue season is finally here! As our research shows, the nation is looking for inspiration to kick off summer with a tasty barbecue bursting with flavour and excitement. In fact, over the May bank holiday, Sainsbury’s sold 749% more Melt in the Middle Burgers week on week, showcasing just how ‘grilliant-ly’ our new range has gone down.
We’ve created a delicious range inspired by authentic American flavours, that perfectly balances sweet and smoky flavours without the fuss; Sainsbury’s has done the work, so you don’t have to. My favourite is the Taste the Difference Slow Cooked Cherry Wood Smoked Baby Back Ribs, sure to be a crowd pleaser.”
The Sainsbury’s Summer range is available to purchase in selected stores and online now.
