One in five adults will serve a selection of cured meats when eating al fresco according to research polling 2,000 people.
While olives, paté and sushi are also among the more favoured food items now served at picnics.
But it’s not just food that’s glowing up, as cider, prosecco, and iced coffee are proving popular too.
It also emerged 11 per cent want to impress pals with posh picnics, while 29 per cent agreed classic picnic dishes are being shunned for modern alternatives.
The study was commissioned by Aspall Cyder which has partnered with etiquette coach, Jo Bryant, to share tips on how to ‘picnic properly’ – marking the launch of its new Crisp Apple Cyder slimline can this summer.
Jo Bryant said: “Whether you’re heading to a picture-perfect spot, on the beach or just popping out to relax in your back garden, here in Britain we love a good picnic.
“But this new research shows Brits are ‘poshing up’ their picnics this summer, swapping out some of the traditional food and drinks with other more artisan options and elevating the overall picnic experience for their guests.”
Homemade picnic foods are also trending according to the study, with 22 per cent making their own sausage rolls, 17 per cent whipping up a coleslaw, and 29 per cent supplying home baked cakes.
One in five will travel to a deli to grab supplies for their picnic arrangement, and 15 per cent will visit a local farm shop.
Picnickers will spend an average of £25.80 on their al fresco food and drink – and 13 per cent will go all out, splurging more than £40 on food for such occasions.
The top 30 picnic foods are:
1. Sandwiches
2. Crisps
3. Sausage rolls (not vegetarian/vegan)
4. Cheese(s)
5. Salad
6. Tomatoes
7. Pork pies
8. Quiche
9. Cocktail sausages (not vegetarian vegan)
10. Scotch eggs (not vegetarian vegan)
11. Pastries
12. Coleslaw
13. Potato salad
14. Cucumber sticks
15. Pasta salad
16. Dips
17. Carrot sticks
18. Crackers
19. Wraps
20. Chicken drumsticks
21. Houmous
22. Cheese twists
23. Olives
24. Meat pies
25. Nuts
26. Meat platter / Charcuterie selection
27. Pittas
28. Cheese scones
29. Vegetarian/vegan sausage rolls
30. Chutney
The weather is a key factor when it comes to elevating a picnic, according to two thirds of people, while a mere 36 per cent said the quality of food has a big impact.
Exactly one in 10 said a properly chilled drink selection is critical, with a plastic wine glass or tin among the most favoured drinking vessels.
The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found 14 per cent prefer modern picnic dishes over their traditional counterparts.
More than half agreed picnics are synonymous with a British summer, and 37 per cent acknowledged they’ve improved over the years.
Samantha Maynard at Aspall Cyder said: “Picnics will continue to be part of British culture, and come rain or shine, it feels like people always find a way to squeeze one in over the summer.
“Our study shows people are upgrading their picnics so we wanted to help them maximise their al fresco dining by teaming up with Jo Bryant to create an etiquette guide to doing picnics right.
“Alongside ensuring picnic-perfect food and beverages, putting a bit more effort into all the finishing touches can help make the overall experience feel more memorable.”
• Set the scene – Make sure you find a picnic spot that caters to everyone’s needs. Your guests may like the option of a spot with both shade and sun.
• Comfort is king – Everyone needs somewhere to sit, and the traditional option is the trusty picnic blanket. But why not take comfort levels up a notch with a few scatter cushions or, for smaller gatherings, picnic chairs for everyone.
• Smarten up – A picnic is quickly elevated from banal to brilliant with proper cutlery and crockery. Arrange food attractively on serving dishes and add a few good-looking garnishes, like pea shoots or lemon wedges.
• Food for thought – Picnic food should be sophisticated, seasonal and tempting, yet easy to eat. Guests will feel awkward if they are attempting to cut up complex food when balancing a plate on their lap.
• Drink selection – Drinks should arrive pre-chilled and be kept chilled. Loading up a filled ice bucket with individual cans (e.g. cider, pre-mixed cocktails or soft drinks) keeps things simple and allows guests to help themselves.
• Keep cool – While picnic baskets provide a distinctly British feel, they are no good for keeping food or drink fresh. Transport your china and glassware in vintage wicker, but food and drink should be carried in something more practical.
• Leave no trace – It goes without saying that the picnic spot must be left litter-free and clean. Good hosts will subtly collect empty cans and bottles (for recycling), dispose of litter, and clear away dirty plates throughout the gathering.
