New research has analysed the impact of food programmes on the nation’s mealtime rituals and uncovered the most influential TV shows, TV chefs, and recipes from the small screen that have captured Brits’ hearts the most.
The research, carried out by meal kit provider HelloFresh, found Nadiya’s Simple Spices the most inspirational food show of the last two years. In the show, Nadiya’s recipes incorporate one (or more) of eight easily accessible spices found in most household pantries: cardamom, fennel, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, chilli, bay leaves and curry powder.
Tickling the taste buds of the nation, Nadiya’s Simple Spices is officially the most influential food show, with searches for recipes from the show increasing as high as 1,285% on average, in the three months following its release.
Other highly influential foodie shows include Mary Makes It Easy, Jamie Cooks the Mediterranean and Gordon, Gino and Fred’s: Road Trip.
Show | Peak in searches for recipes (across 3 months from show release) |
Nadiya’s Simple Spices | 1,285% |
Mary Makes It Easy | 1,275% |
Jamie Cooks the Mediterranean | 1,157% |
Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip | 1,000% |
Next Level Chef | 950% |
The Bear | 519% |
Lessons in Chemistry | 420% |
Bake Off: The Professionals | 367% |
Nailed It! | 250% |
Is It Cake? | 200% |
The research also looked into the specific recipes that Brits searched for following the release of TV shows. Master Chef’s most lusted over recipes included salmon terrine, fish in a bag and steak fillet [all spiking +200% YoY], whereas The Bear’s spaghetti recipe was the most popular from the show [spiking +80% YoY].
The research also showed that it was the Great British Bake Off’s sweet offerings that the nation desired most, with searches for GBBO’s carrot cake, Nutella babka, Victoria sponge and macaron recipes all showing huge year-on-year increases.
Additionally, the data highlighted that there is a clear appetite for recipe inspiration from some of the UK’s most popular TV chefs. Taking the crown is none other than Jamie Oliver. Known for his casual approach to cooking, Jamie has been on our screens for over 15 years, building up a huge fan base and trusted recipe repertoire.
The research found that the most online searches are for Jamie Oliver’s recipes, with an average of almost 10,000 [9.9k] searches per month. Following Jamie, the research found Mary Berry, James Martin and Nadiya Hussain up there with the most inspirational TV chefs.
Senior Recipe Development Manager, Mimi Morley, said: “We all get our cooking inspiration from different sources; whether you’re a steadfast #FoodToker, love diving into a traditional recipe book or prefer following the guidance of an expert TV chef, there’s endless potential when it comes to recipe inspiration.
“But cooking is a very personal thing and part of what makes us unique, which is why every recipe, while inspired by others, carries our individual twist, making it truly our own. Experimenting is half the fun of cooking, so why not put your own stamp on Master Chef’s salmon terrine by adding seafood like prawns or scallops, or a protein like crispy pancetta or chorizo to elevate the dish and make it your own? The possibilities are endless so get cooking and have some fun.”
