Food has always been a way to bring people together — but new research suggests it might also help keep couples together for the long haul. According to a recent study by Tesco, shared food habits and rituals aren’t just cute — they could be key to stronger relationships and deeper emotional connection.
How Food Habits Evolve With Relationship Stages
The research found that as relationships mature, so do couples’ food rituals. While only 21% of couples together 3–5 months report shared food habits, that figure jumps to 50% among those together for 20+ years. This suggests that joint food preferences evolve naturally over time and may help deepen a couple’s bond.
Food Preferences and Relationship Satisfaction
It’s not just shared tastes that matter. Nearly 60% of couples believe that a mutual love of similar foods is key to a lasting relationship. Interestingly:
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41% of long‑term couples (10+ years) say a joint love of hot and spicy food helps them “keep the spark alive.”
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48% credit shared sweet treats for bonding.
Do Opposites Really Attract?
Despite the old saying, research suggests compatibility in food choices may be more important than first believed. This connects with broader relationship psychology — where shared experiences often build trust and intimacy.
Love at First Bite: Food and Romantic Potential
Food isn’t just important for established couples. It’s one of the most common topics discussed by couples nationwide — on par with major life events like children and holidays.
In fact, 87% of singles said they’d like to meet a potential partner in real life, and 29% agreed the supermarket is an ideal place to meet someone new. But here’s the twist: nearly 40% of singles admit they’d judge a potential partner’s shopping basket before starting a conversation — rising to 48% among 18–34s.
Top Items That Make a Shopping Basket Irresistible
According to the research, the most attractive grocery items include:
Chocolate (41%)
Strawberries (38%)
Steak (34%)
Coffee (22%)
Biscuits (17%)
These choices suggest singles aren’t just after tasty treats — they’re scouting for someone who can cook, entertain, and make everyday life feel indulgent.
Where in the UK Has the “Sexiest” Shopping Basket?
If you’d like to meet someone special by the fruit aisles, consider a trip to Birmingham — crowned by Tesco as the city with the UK’s sexiest shopping basket.
Close behind are:
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Glasgow
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Manchester
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London
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Bristol
This fun find reinforces the idea that food preferences can be a social magnet — and possibly even a love magnet too.
The Psychology Behind Food and Romance
To understand why food and love overlap so strongly, Tesco teamed up with relationship psychologist Dr Andrea Oskis, an expert in the psychology of food habits and interpersonal connection.
Dr Oskis explains:
“Food has always been one of the most powerful ways of forging connections. Our food behaviours shape intimacy, trust, and long‑term satisfaction. Shared food experiences bind us together at every stage of a relationship.”
Top Relationship Tips From a Psychologist
Whether you’re building a new connection or strengthening an existing one, Dr Oskis recommends:
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Share favourite foods – introduce dishes that are meaningful to you. Food stories often reveal personal history and values.
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Be open to tastes – adapting to each other’s preferences shows flexibility and respect.
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Cook together – preparing meals side‑by‑side fosters teamwork and relaxed conversation.
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Eat without distractions – phones off, no TV — create space for genuine connection.
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Use small gestures – picking up a favourite treat shows thoughtfulness and care.
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Be playful – fun experiences with food can build trust and comfort.
These tips echo our relationship advice coverage — from date night ideas to building emotional intimacy through shared routines.
The Most Romantic Meal in the UK? It’s Not What You Think…
When couples were asked about the most romantic dinner for two:
Spaghetti Bolognese (21%) came out on top — just ahead of
Steak (20%)
And with Valentine’s Day around the corner, Tesco’s Finest Dine In range includes romantic favourites like British Rump Steaks, Salmon & Prawn en Croute, and Marry Me Chicken Risotto — giving couples the perfect excuse for a cosy night in. Available now with Tesco Clubcard.
