A Facebook debate is brewing online after food delivery platform Just Eat asked its followers whether they would plate up their takeaway or eat it directly from the packaging and it’s clear that there’s a divide in opinion, with 47% of the nation believing food tastes better unplated. 

 

To settle the debate, research conducted by the food delivery giant has revealed whether we’re a nation of platers or packaging and the dishes most unacceptable to plate up.

 

The research from, Just Eat - which delivers everything from burgers and bao buns to sandwiches and sushi - uncovered the foods deemed most “acceptable” to eat straight from the packaging, with McDonald’s (84%), KFC & Greggs (82%) ranking the highest. 

 

On the flip side, some Brits felt certain delivered cuisines should always be plated up, with Chinese meals (37%), Thai meals (38%) and Indian meals (41%) taking the top spots, arguably all sauce rich, spillable options. 

 

For the ‘anti-platers’, almost one third (31%) went so far as to say their takeaway experience would be ruined if they plated up the goods, with nearly half (47%) saying it tasted better from the packaging, and three quarters (75%) that eating from the packaging gave them a night off from doing any washing up or loading the dishwasher. 

 

Who you’re eating with also affected how we serve up, with a whopping 68% saying they’re more likely to eat food straight from the packaging when dining alone - no need for the airs and graces of plating up! 

 

Takeaway traditions and opinions also extended to where we eat different cuisines - on your lap in front of the TV was most popular for pizza (83%) and fish and chips (82%), whilst 69% said Chinese and Indian should always be eaten at the table (and on a plate!).

 

Andrew Kenny, Just Eat UK Managing Director commented: “It’s clear our customers have passionate views about whether to plate or not to plate. Research showed that 60% of the nation believe eating food straight from the packaging adds to the experience, so whether you plate up an order or not, it’s clear Brits’ passion for food delivered on demand is stronger than ever. 

 

Just Eat is continuously adding more options for customers, offering favourite meals from big name brands, including McDonald’s, Greggs, KFC, Subway and Pret, as well as thousands of small independent restaurants in local areas.

At the touch of a button on the Just Eat App, Brits can order from over 30,000+ favourite restaurants for every eating occasion throughout the day.