From queue jumping to double dipping – Brits exposed for bad buffet behaviour

07 December 2023

• Research by Co-op reveals queue jumping, double dipping and using hands to pick up food were all seen as acceptable behaviour by many Brits at the buffet table

• Whilst more than a quarter (28%) of people agree there should be a designated 'picky bits police’ to enforce etiquette at any event

• Celeb party planner Liz Taylor has teamed up with Co-op to share her tips to hosting the perfect party

QUEUE jumping, double dipping and using hands to pick up food are just some of the bad habits we should expect at the buffet table this festive season by picky bits loving Brits.

In fact, in our excitement to enjoy our favourite seasonal bites, almost two-fifths (38%) of UK adults won’t even wait to leave the buffet table before digging into their food and say it’s entirely acceptable to eat whilst still standing over the table, new research by Co-op reveals.

Amongst the biggest etiquette buffet blunders – saving a space in the queue for a friend or relative (42%), jumping in line (29%), double dipping (48%) and using your hands to pick up food (39%) are just some of the lengths Brits will go to fill up their plates at the buffet table.

Whilst one in seven of us (14%) wouldn’t think twice about putting food back for someone else to ‘enjoy’ if we changed our mind.

The research by the leading convenience retailer reveals just how much us Brits love picky bits, with almost half of people (49%) hosting a Christmas party this year planning to offer a buffet for guests. And a third of adults (33%) say they would be more likely to attend a work or social event if there was a party spread on offer.

However, with bad habits becoming common place at the buffet table, more than a quarter of people (28%) say there should be a designated ‘picky bits police’ to enforce eating etiquette. In response, Co-op has teamed up with celeb party planner Liz Taylor to share her dos and don’ts of buffet etiquette.

Liz Taylor, celeb party planner and TLC events owner, said: “Offering a picky bits spread is the perfect option for those hosting this festive season. We’re increasingly seeing a move by clients wanting to offer this more informal style of dining. Not only does it allow you to easily cater for even the fussiest and trickiest of guests by offering a wide variety of foods and flavours but it allows more time for guests and the hosts to actually enjoy the festivities.”

Liz’s top tips for hosting a party are:

  1. Create an exciting reception drink – serve in anything but a glass! I collect soup cans and stick on printed bespoke messages such as “Merry Xmas from The Smith Family”. It’s a lovely touch that will be remembered by your guests
  2. Lighting is crucial to set the right ambience - lots of candles, fairy lights, battery globes. Turn the lights off and the batteries on!
  3. Think about the music - create a Spotify play list to include all genres for all ages to make all toes tap
  4. Think about how guests will pick up their foods at the buffet table – cocktail sticks, cutlery and festive napkins are a must have!”

As the host, what you offer in your buffet spread can make or break your party as almost a quarter of adults (24%) would decline a party invitation because of the type of food being served.

Pigs in blankets, mini sausage rolls, and a cheese platter all ranked in Co-op’s research as the top three choices to have in a festive buffet. Perhaps unsurprising, with two-fifths of people (39%) saying they dislike buffet food that requires a knife and fork.

Nicole Tallant, Head of Delicious Food at Co-op, said: “As a convenience store, our party food range has been developed with our busy shoppers in mind. We’ve introduced air fryer guidance back of pack and brought back customer favourites such as pork pies, sausage rolls and spring rolls, alongside exciting new additions including pizza puff dippers and bombay potato bites. Perfect for those ever-popular festive picky teas over Christmas.”

-ENDS-

The bad etiquette viewed as acceptable by Brits… 1. Double dipping (48%) 2. Saving a space in the line for a friend or relative (42%) 3. Using your hands to pick up items (39%) 4. Eating food whilst standing at the buffet table (38%) 5. Queue jumping (29%) 6. Taking another plate without finishing the last (21%) 7. Putting foods back that you have already picked up (14%)

The research for Co-op was carried out by Opinion Matters throughout 16.11.23-21.11.23 amongst 2,000 UK adults.

For more information please contact Sharn or Lauren E: sharn.smith@coop.co.uk or lauren.chambers@coop.co.uk