A new national survey has mapped out the British public’s ultimate World Cup snack habits, revealing that simple crisps and dips have comfortably beaten hot food favourites to top the table as the nation’s preferred matchday food.
The study of 2,000 sports fans, commissioned by Dino’s Famous Hotdogs, found that 57% of viewers name crisps and dips as their definitive go-to tournament snack. The data reveals a strong preference for shareable food items, with chicken wings securing second place at 39% and pizza landing the third spot with 36% of the vote. Nachos with cheese and salsa followed closely behind at 33%, while hot dogs completed the top five tier at 32%.
According to the research, 73% of people believe that matchday food is just as important as the football itself, with 28% stating that finger food is a strict necessity. MasterChef finalist Mike Tomkins explained that these specific foods dominate sports viewing due to a concept known as “low-interruption eating.” Because these items are easy to handle and require minimal physical effort, they allow hosts and guests to remain focused entirely on the television screen without risking missing a goal.
The survey also highlighted how sports viewing directly impacts British appetites, with 70% of respondents admitting they eat significantly more when watching football than any other sport. Tension does little to curb hunger for a third of the population, as 36% of fans state they can continue eating during a high-stakes penalty shootout. Conversely, the remaining 64% say food is completely out of their mind during a penalty spot-kick.
With the 2026 tournament being hosted across America, Canada, and Mexico, broadcasting schedules mean games will air later into the evening in the UK. Industry spokespeople suggest that the combination of late-night screenings and a desire to recreate a stadium atmosphere at home will drive a significant rise in the purchasing of quick, American-inspired street food and versatile finger foods this summer.
“They’re easy to hold, require minimal effort to prepare, and don’t distract from the screen which is exactly what you want during an intense match. People don’t want to miss a goal because they’re cutting up a meal. The combination of salt, fat and strong flavours found in foods like chicken wings and nachos keeps us coming back for more, even during the most intense sporting moments.”
THE 20 TOP TIER FOODS BRITS WILL BE EATING DURING THE WORLD CUP ARE:
- Crisps and dips – 57%
- Chicken wings – 39%
- Pizza – 36%
- Nachos with cheese and salsa – 33%
- Hotdogs – 32%
- Salted nuts – 31%
- Sausage rolls – 31%
- Garlic bread – 28%
- Sweets – 28%
- Loaded fries – 27%
- Onion rings – 24%
- Mini burgers – 22%
- Sweet popcorn – 22%
- Full-size burgers – 22%
- Bitesize chocolate – 22%
- Chicken goujons – 20%
- Cocktail sausages – 19%
- Cheese board – 18%
- BBQ ribs – 18%
- Mozzarella sticks – 18%
