Breakfast habits can reveal more about our personalities than we may think, according to experts. A recent survey of 2,000 adults found that the perfect slice of toast for most people is made from white bread, toasted to a warm, light-brown colour, cut into rectangles, and served warm but not too hot. The study also showed that 22% of participants believe that the way someone prefers their toast can reflect deeper aspects of their personality. It was revealed that more than half of the respondents admitted to being ‘fussy’ about how they have their toast, showing just how important this breakfast staple is to many people.
The survey highlighted various preferences when it comes to toast, with only 8% of individuals preferring their slices ‘well done’ with a deep brown finish, while 15% opt for a lightly toasted version. Interestingly, 35% of participants noted that toast actually ‘tastes better’ when cut into rectangles, making it the most popular shape among respondents, followed by triangles. In terms of bread choices, almost half of those surveyed selected white bread as their top choice for toasting, followed by a quarter who preferred wholemeal. These findings were revealed in a study commissioned by Premier Inn in celebration of National Toast Day (February 27), shedding light on the significance of toast in British breakfast culture.
According to Chris Seaby, the head of breakfast menu development at Premier Inn, toast is a staple part of a full English breakfast that Brits love. He emphasises the importance of offering a variety of options, including gluten-free, to cater to individual preferences. Food psychologist Greg Tucker further delved into the significance of toast preferences, suggesting that our choices, including how we like our toast, can reveal aspects of our personality. He explains, “Toast is bread changed to suit us. Our choices…are all a reflection of our personality.” Tucker highlights how toast represents a stage of growing independence and individual identity, making it a key aspect of how we self-identify throughout our lives.
Greg Tucker emphasised that toast preferences can be indicative of more than just breakfast habits, suggesting that they could also reflect deeper characteristics and stages of personal development. Considering that toast is often one of the first foods children learn to prepare, it signifies a sense of independence and self-identity within the home. This early connection to toast-making could explain why individuals maintain specific preferences into adulthood, as it becomes a part of their self-expression and daily routine. Understanding the psychology behind toast preferences can provide insight into the subtleties of our personalities and how our choices reflect our inner selves.
As toast continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many Brits, the variety of preferences observed in the survey indicates the diverse ways in which individuals connect with this breakfast classic. Whether it’s the choice of bread, the level of toasting, or the shape of the slices, each preference offers a glimpse into the individuality and uniqueness of people’s personalities. It goes to show that even the simplest of breakfast choices can speak volumes about who we are and how we navigate our identities through daily rituals like enjoying a slice of toast. The next time you bite into your perfect slice of toast, remember that it might reveal more about you than you realise.