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FOOD
Nibble or squeeze?
Samosas have risen to become one of the UK's
favourite snack options with a recent survey showing
they're the No.2 nibble among young people.*
In a new report created on behalf of Takul, which
makes halal convenience foods - including a range of
three different samosas - food 'futurologist' Lyndon
Gee has defined four distinct types of 'samosa eater'.
Which one are you?
1. The corner nibbler: Methodically and tentatively
nibbles each crispy corner of the samosa before
gradually working their way to the centre, and all the
filling. The nibbler is keen on delayed gratification.
2. The middle grounder: Going straight for the centre
of the samosa, with military precision they carefully
take a bite from between each of the 3 corners,
leaving those crispy edges intact to relish last. These
individuals can seem dull but are organised.
3. The samosa squeezer: Strategically bites one corner of
the samosa then squeezes to extract the filling, leaving
the empty shell, which they gobble down whole.
Greedy, they find this the quickest way to eat a samosa.
4. The pernickety peeler: Likes to examine their food
before eating it. They carefully and precisely nibble
around the edge of the whole samosa, then gently
peel off the top layer exposing the filling, which
they meticulously inspect before finally munching.
Indecisive and afraid to take a risk.
In his report, Lyndon Gee also predicts that halal food is
set to become mainstream in the coming years, following
in the footsteps of other cuisines such as vegan and
plant-based options. He said halal food has evolved from
being a religious dietary choice to being a marker of safe,
healthy, hygienic and reliable food.
With trust being so key to what people choose to buy,
especially food-wise, Gee says, "Various research studies
indicate that non-Muslims have a positive opinion of halal
food products and show significant intention to buy them,
as they know halal food is appropriately processed. Halal
products will be chosen for non-faith-based reasons,
simply because the food appeals, offering manufacturers
even greater opportunities as halal products move into
less traditional dishes."
Gee has broad experience in the halal food industry.
He's worked with Diabetes UK on various recipes for
Ramadan aimed at the Muslim community and was
creative consultant for a halal fast food burger concept.
With almost half of the UK Muslim population under the
age of 24, the report also reveals how pivotal the younger
generation are in terms of shaping what halal food looks
like today.
Gee says, "Cash-rich and time-poor, the younger
generation seek convenience and speed. Gen Y and
Gen Z consumers are more adventurous and looking
for new flavours and different food experiences than
their parents. Products such as pasties or samosas that
can be eaten in one hand are ideal. Mealtimes have
become blurred and there has been a big rise in snacking,
whether the on-the-go meal replacement, or sitting
down with friends and enjoying a film or a game and
sharing a selection of foods such as pizza, charcuterie,
or samosas. The social aspect of eating should never
be underestimated, but with busy lifestyles people are
looking for easy, cost-effective solutions to entertain
their friends."
Takul time
Takul makes a range of convenience meals and snacks
which include pizzas, samosas, pasties and deli meats
which are available in selected Tesco and Sainsbury's
stores nationwide.
Takul is part of the Stonehouse Foods family and is
made up of a team of experts that have been serving
diverse communities and creating specialist food
products for many years. Stonehouse Foods specialise in
sourcing and distributing a wide range of chilled World
foods throughout the UK and Northern Ireland.
Takul was designed for the modern British Muslim
shopper, giving them a voice on the shelf and in-store,
reflecting the exciting, diverse, multifaceted lives they
live. Whether you're a busy parent juggling a hectic family
life, or a young go-getter balancing work and play.
With three flavours to choose from - Lamb, Vegetable
or Chicken Tikka - Takul's samosas use authentic recipes
from around the globe, the finest Halal ingredients
and a home-style cooking process with each samosa
handcrafted before being packaged up. Available in Tesco
in the chilled World Foods section with an RRP of £2.65.
To read the report, click HERE
www.lyndongee.com