Why You're Craving Comfort Food During Summer!

Sick Of Salads? The Science Says You're Not Alone... 

The sun's out. It’s time to get outside. And yet... somehow... you're already a bit fed up with a plate full of salad-y bits for tea!

(Don't worry, you're not broken)

In fact, science says it's perfectly normal! Because while summer is often associated with lighter food, our brains aren't always interested in eating leaves for three months straight.

Let's take a little trip into the curious world of summer comfort food...

The Great Salad Saturation

At the start of summer, salads can be exciting! A cool lunch to eat outside while the sun’s blazing down on you.

But researchers have found that humans naturally crave variety! The more often we eat the same sorts of foods, the less exciting they can become.

It's one reason why that first BBQ of the year feels magical... and the sixth one feels like a slog, forcing yourself to scoff burnt sausages with a load of ketchup!

After weeks of salads, picky bits and picnic food, many of us start looking for something a little more satisfying. Which brings us neatly onto...

Comfort Food Doesn't Care What Month It Is!

We know that hot foods can induce sweating and cool us down... But did you know that many scientists now believe comfort food cravings have less to do with temperature and more to do with psychology!?

Comfort foods are often linked to familiarity, enjoyment and positive memories.

Think about your favourite foods - there's usually a story attached. Maybe it's what your grandparents made, maybe it’s something you ate after a long school day… but your brain remembers these things!

Which is why people still order curries during heatwaves and comfort foods like pies and pasties still hold strong in summer months! It’s a sweet little dopamine hit that not only fills you up, but helps the soul!

(Because comfort isn't seasonal! It’s allll year round.)

The Picnic Problem 🧺

We all know that a proper British picnic is a wonderous thing!

But have you ever noticed that after an afternoon of grazing, you sometimes still fancy something more substantial?

That's because "snacking" and "feeling properly fed" aren't always the same thing. Sometimes you need something with a bit more heft.

Something wrapped in pastry perhaps…?

Handheld Comfort: The Pasty! 

The humble pasty has been solving this problem for generations.

Long before meal deals, air fryers and picnic influencers, people were carrying around handheld meals wrapped in pastry.

And for good reason, we’d say!!

Whether you're heading off on a day out, setting up a picnic, or simply looking for something a bit heartier than another bowl of rocket, a pasty gets the job done.

Our Summer Heroes 🌶️🧀

Right now we're shining a spotlight on two customer favourites:

Chicken & Chorizo Pasty-

Smoky chorizo… Tender chicken… Plenty of flavour!! 

The sort of pasty that disappears suspiciously quickly from the picnic basket. Filled with tender chicken breast and chunks of spicy Chorizo, salsa, red onion and a dash of smoked paprika, bringing an exotic Spanish flavour to this pasty!

Cheddar & Onion Pasty-

A proper classic!

Filled with a generous amount of strong West Country Cheddar cheese and tumbled with those traditional pasty ingredients - potato and onion! Just like our Chicken & Chorizo pasty, we have a gluten free version suitable for coeliacs!

The Verdict?

Will we still eat salads this summer? Of course!

Will there be occasions when only a proper pasty will do? Without question!!

Because while summer trends come and go, some foods never go out of fashion - and a pasty enjoyed in the sunshine is definitely one of them!

Now then... are you Team Chicken & Chorizo or Team Cheddar & Onion?

 Go on - Take a Chunk!