NEW YORK — If you have poor table manners, you may be dooming yourself to a life at the singles table. Three in five Americans would end a date early or break up with someone if they had a food habit they found annoying – especially men.
In a new poll of 2,000 Americans, men are almost twice as likely than women (42% vs. 25%) to break up with someone or end a date early because of their partner’s food habits. However, they’re also more likely to admit to having the same bad habits themselves.
The survey looked at some of the biggest food habit pet peeves and researchers discovered that 68 percent believe talking with your mouth full is the most inexcusable food sin.
Which annoying food habits are the most offensive?
Although talking while chewing is the top offense, it’s also the offense most people confess to being guilty of as well, with 28 percent saying they do it too. Gen-Z respondents are the most tolerant age group, with 73 percent saying they’d simply ignore a food habit that annoyed them. On the other hand, Millennials are more outspoken, with 61 percent saying they’d politely ask the offender to stop. They’re also the most likely Americans to end a date or relationship over these offenses, with 48 percent saying they’ve done so.
On a first date, 42 percent believe chewing with your mouth open is reason enough to end the night early. Nearly half (49%) add dropping food on the floor and then eating is also unforgivable leading to dates ending prematurely. What about slurping food? That’s a big no-no according to 52 percent of those in the poll.
While respondents love dips, they don’t appreciate when someone double dips the chip (44%). In fact, 40 percent believe that only one dip is appropriate per potato chip.
The poll, conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Farm Rich, also explored Americans’ favorite dips. Two in three (69%) are likely to order a dip when dining out — with the top favorite flavors all hailing from south of the U.S. border, including salsa (49%), guacamole (42%), and queso (38%). These top three choices are loved by all ages, with parents saying their children go for the same ones they do.
“Dips are a fun food and an important part of any gathering with friends and family,” says Ciera Womack, Farm Rich Director of Marketing, in a statement. “They’re also a favorite comfort food…a small thing that can sometimes help us feel ‘normal’ again in stressful times.”
Should dip go directly on food?
Researchers find the largest divide over where on the plate the dip should go is between men and women. Sixty-four percent of female respondents believe dip goes on the side of the entrée, while 41 percent of males think it goes right on top. When it comes to one of America’s favorite snacks, Mozzarella Sticks, marinara sauce is often a must (46% always; 22% sometimes).
Men and women also disagree on how to pair foods with one of America’s favorite tastes: guacamole. More than a third (36%) of women think guac goes best with tortilla chips, but a surprising 28 percent of men think it goes well on potato chips.
Men and women do agree on one thing, however: salsa is a necessity while tailgating. One in three people believe it’s never a proper tailgate without the salsa.
Seven in 10 add dips are their favorite appetizer – although three in four prefer to purchase theirs at a grocery store or make it from scratch rather than ordering it at a restaurant.
Americans also love to spice up their dips, with 44 percent wanting to add ground beef to their queso and 42 percent adding jalapenos.
Strangely, more than half of respondents are willing to take an actual dunk in their favorite dip — for a price. Fifty-two percent would likely jump in a dunk tank, pool, or tub filled with their favorite dip if it meant they’d get a year’s free supply.
“People tend to get really creative when it comes to enjoying their favorite dips and snacks. So much so that we found dips can actually bring people together — folks love to talk about them, share them, photograph them and find craveable flavors that please everyone, including children, vegetarians and picky eaters,” Womack adds.