Gen Z can handle the hottest food – but would never admit it if they couldn’t.
A study of 2,000 adults found those aged 18–28 have the highest endurance for fiery dishes, with 43 per cent rating their own spice tolerance as ‘high’ or ‘very high’.
This compares to just 37 per cent of Millennials, 31 per cent of Gen X, and only 24 per cent of Boomers.
More than one in 10 (11 per cent) of Gen Z will also go for the hottest option on the menu – something only three per cent of their Boomer counterparts do.
But even if they couldn’t handle it, 49 per cent of Gen Z would at least pretend to, eating something hot even if they didn’t want it, to avoid looking 'weak' in front of their friends.
Conversely, despite being self-proclaimed softies when it comes to spice, 65 per cent of Boomers feel no embarrassment whatsoever when it comes to their inability to handle the heat.
A spokesperson for bakery brand St Pierre [www.stpierrebakery.co.uk], which commissioned the research to launch its new Spicy Chilli Brioche Buns, said: “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!
“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.”
The study also found 71 per cent of Boomers claimed to have never hidden that they’ve found something too spicy.
But 82 per cent of Gen Z have done this at some point, as they don’t want to waste food (28 per cent), offend the cook (26 per cent), or seem too picky (21 per cent).
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 per cent of Gen Z are happy to show off their superior spice tolerance to others, with 15 per cent claiming to eat something hot at least once every single day.
It also emerged 18 per cent of Millennials will put hot sauce on just about anything – with 45 per cent claiming spice enhances the flavour of a dish.
Millennials were also the most open to trying new food, with 76 per cent keen to test out spicy flavours specifically, according to OnePoll.com data.
And it’s not just food that can get heated – 47 per cent of Millennials and 57 per cent of Gen Z have ended up disagreeing with someone about what to eat because of differences in spice tolerance.
This compares to only 11 per cent of Boomers - 48 per cent of which apparently never disagree with someone about what they should eat.
St Pierre’s spokesperson added: “At the end of the day, good food is something that brings us all together – no matter your age.
“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.”
ENDS
