This is how British people decide what to eat for lunch

Soup and a salad?

Nothing is more British than a sad sandwich desk lunch, but it turns out that there’s more that goes into our midday meal choices than we thought. According to a study run by Canvas8, things like the weather, convenience and even our coworkers affect how we choose what to eat for lunch.

The survey asked 2,000 men and women across the UK about their office lunch choices, with questions about what they believed were the most important factors in their decisions. It turns out that the convenience of a meal was the biggest influence on them, with 38% agreeing it would tip their choice. It didn’t win by much however as taste (37%) and price (35%) followed closely behind.

The study also found that peers could affect your choices too, with group excursions to swanky restaurants playing a part.

People were also more likely to opt for lighter options like a salad on hotter days, while warm comfort food was preferred when the temperature dropped.

Unsurprisingly, carbohydrate-laden food won out on hangover days. In an interview with The Mirror, Newcastle University’s Elin Roberts explained why the heavy stuff makes us feel better: ‘Food doesn’t soak up the alcohol but it does increase your metabolism helping you deal with the after-effects of overindulgence.’

At least now you don’t have to feel so bad about that greasy toastie - it’s all science.