Brits opt for chicken breast over sirloin steak

Chicken breast has overtaken sirloin steak as the most frequently listed main course item on pub, restaurant and hotel menus, according to new research from market analyst Horizons.

Horizons' biannual Menurama research found that last year's frequently listed main course menu items of sirloin steak, veggie burger, sausage and mash, fish and chips and rump steak have now been replaced by chicken breast, fish & chips, Sunday lunch and risotto (excluding pizza and burgers).

Peter Backman, Horizons' managing director, commented on the research: "Our findings demonstrate that establishments have altered their menus to include cheaper items in response to financial pressures.

"Premium ingredients have been dropped in favour of more economical dishes and we are seeing the emergence of more traditional British recipes such as meatballs and stews. Fish is also making a stronger appearance on British menus along with vegetable-based starters."

He added: "Dishes such as fajitas, mixed grills and some pasta dishes have declined in popularity due to the rising cost of raw ingredients and because operators are continuing to evolve their menus in an effort to give consumers something different, something that they wouldn't cook at home. Spiralling meat costs have prompted operators to reduce the weights of their core meat dishes such as beef burgers and steaks."

Menurama also found that the return of traditional and game meats such as mutton, rabbit and guinea fowl, although fish and seafood main course dishes are being featured more strongly with haddock, calamari and sea bass appearing in the top 10 fish-based ingredients used.

And desserts seem to be moving away from the traditional. British puds such as sticky toffee pudding, fruit crumble and sponge pudding, all of which made the top 10 most frequently listed dessert in January 2008, are now less popular on menus than cheesecake, brownie, and profiteroles.

Topping the most frequently listed dessert, however, are still ice cream and sundaes, although ice cream now takes the number one slot.

Moving onto price trends, it is now costing consumers around 3% more to eat out than it was a year ago, with average spend across all types of outlets at just over £6, up from £5.91 in January 2008.

A two-course meal in a pub restaurant costs an average of £10.99, compared with £10.95 in January 2008. Hotels have got slightly cheaper with an average two-course meal costing £18.48, compared with £19.67 a year ago. A two-course meal in a restaurant now costs just over £14.88, up from £14.30 in January 2008.

Words: Maria Bracken

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