SURVEY: People Don’t Want to Share Their Food

Sharing is caring, or so they say. Just maybe don’t go trying to share someone else’s meal without checking first. A recent survey says that 67% of people don’t want to share their meals, even with a partner. What’s theirs is theirs.

48% said someone has tried to take food off their plate without asking; but then the same amount says they have done the same! This is something you just shouldn’t do. It’s bad table etiquette. Conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Brazilian Steak House Fogo de Chão, the survey also found that people aren’t willing to let just anyone pick off their plate — a fifth of respondents even said they’d have to know someone for at least six months before they feel comfortable sharing food.

46% would consider it a deal-breaker if they were on a first date with someone who asked to try their food — especially Gen Z (63%), who see this as a major red flag. Seven in 10 admitted that ultimately, they reluctantly say “yes” to requests to share food because they don’t know how to say “no.

Not to say people don’t want to share at all. While main courses are typically off-limits, 63% of people “always” or “often” order shareable items for the table when eating out. 73% said they want to try new things when eating out, but are afraid they won’t like them enough.

When sharing with others, people enjoy these benefits:

• 35% being able to try different foods
• 19% not having to commit to one menu item

However, those surveyed noted there are rules around food-sharing etiquette (57%), like sticking a piece on the other person’s fork (23%) or passing it on a separate plate (22%). And the rules for trading are completely different. Half of respondents have ended up trading their entire meals with someone because they liked their food better (49%).

Source: https://tinyurl.com/d4t89e3j

Image – No Revisions / Unsplash