Ahead of World Pasta Day on 25 October, new data from Tesco reveals how as a nation, we’re true pasta fanatics. More than four in five (85%) consume the Italian specialty at least once a month and almost a quarter of us (22%) eat it more than once a week. The dish is most popular amongst the younger generation, with over two thirds (68%) of 18–54-year-olds choosing to tuck into a pasta dish on a weekly basis.
Regionally, Glasgow appears to be the pasta capital of the UK, with roughly a quarter (24%) of residents enjoying it more than once a week and two fifths (39%) eating pasta just once a week.
As a population, we’re big fans of tomato-based pasta recipes such as Lasagne (42%) and Bolognese (41%). Lasagne seems to be most popular amongst older generations, with almost half of 35-54 (46%) and 55+ year olds (48%) choosing it as their favourite. However, less than a third (32%) of 18–34-year-olds would choose a Lasagne over other pasta dishes. As far as other dishes are concerned, one in four (24%) people claim that pasta bakes are their favourite pasta dish and a fifth enjoy a carbonara or macaroni and cheese (both 21%).
And it’s not just flavours where the classics reign supreme, with spaghetti claiming the title of most popular type of pasta shape, with two in five (42%) choosing it as their favourite, followed by penne (33%) and fusilli (24%). Research also reveals that, as a nation, we can be adventurous with our pasta shapes, with almost one in ten opting for Gnocchi (9%), Farfalle (7%) and Rigatoni (7%).
When it comes to pimping up pasta dishes, data reveals that almost a fifth (17%) admit to adding mayonnaise, and 13% go for ketchup. Although, adding these condiments is preferred amongst the younger demographic, with almost one in five (18%) 18–34-year-olds choosing ketchup compared to just 8% of those aged 55 and over. Some are even more adventurous, with one in ten eating baked beans with their pasta (9%) and others even enjoying gravy (5%).
However, the nation lacks confidence when cooking the Italian classics, with nearly half (48%) saying they could only cook between one and three different dishes and 8% admitting they can’t cook any pasta dishes at all.
As the weather gets cooler, pasta is the perfect comfort meal for all of the family, and Tesco has a variety of delicious recipes at Tesco Real Food that take under 15 minutes and cost as little as £0.78 per head. Recipes include the Carbonara pasta bake (£0.78 per serving), Speedy sausage ragu with gnocchi (£2.90 per serving), Spaghetti Bolognese (£2.06 per serving) and Fresh tomato linguine with prawns (£2.90 per serving). With over 250 pastas and sauces available, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
