A study of 2,000 adults found that those aged 18-28 have the highest endurance for fiery dishes, with 43% rating their own spice tolerance as ‘high’ or ‘very high’
A study with 2,000 participants revealed that 18-28 year-olds boast the greatest tolerance for hot food, with 43% claiming a ‘high’ or ‘very high’ spice threshold. It also found one in ten of younger adults will always opt for the hottest thing on the menu.
Over half are happy to show off their superior spice tolerance to others, with 15% claiming to eat something hot at least once every single day. However, it the research also discovered that even if they couldn’t stomach the heat, close to half would pretend they could just to not look ‘weak’ in front of their friends.
Commenting on the findings in light of launching St Pierre’s spicy new Chilli Brioche Buns, a spokesperson from the bakery brand noted: “It’s interesting to see how enjoyment and endurance of fiery foods changes between generations.
“Whilst it may be that the younger generations are more adventurous – they may also just be more committed to saving face!”
The spokesperson added: “Spicy food seems to be a matter of pride for the young, and we can see why – but it’s also great to see the commonalities across generations around not wanting to offend a chef or waste good food – at St Pierre we encourage everyone to ‘eat avec respect’, after all.
“And even for those that can’t handle the heat, we’re confident everyone can afford to add a little bit of extra spice to their life.”
Seven in ten Boomers say they’ve never hidden that they found food too hot to handle, while 82% of Gen Z confessed to having fibbed about their spice tolerance to avoid wastage (28%), offending the cook (26%), or seeming overly fussy (21%).
A third even said they feel embarrassed if they can’t handle something spicy, with one in five ‘always’ finishing a dish even if they were visibly sweating. It’s no wonder then that 53% of Gen Z are happy to show off their superior spice tolerance to others, with 15% claiming to eat something hot at least once every single day.
Millennials aren’t ones to shy away from a little bit of heat either; 18% will add hot sauce to just about anything, believing that a splash of spice can enhance the flavour of a dish. Yet, according to the study, these different tolerances can often cause disagreement at the dinner table.
The spokesperson added: “Whether you’re a spice fiend or a mild gourmand, being curious about and trying new flavours can immediately make a dull day that little bit more magnifique.”
