Nibbler, Middler or Squeezer. How do you chomp your samosa?

Did you know that the samosa has risen to become one of the UK's favourite snack options with a recent survey showing they're the number two nibble among younger people? (EDITOR: And some of us older people, too!)

Now, a renowned food futurologist has revealed how you eat your samosa says something about your own  personality. 

In a new report created on behalf of Takul which makes halal convenience foods, including a range of three different types of samosa, Lyndon Gee has defined four distinct types of “samosa eater” as follows:

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 obsessed with delayed gratification.

The middle grounder

Going straight for the centre of the samosa, with military precision they carefully take a bite from between each of the three corners, leaving those crispy edges intact to relish last. These individuals are dull but organised.

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.

The pernickety peeler

Like 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 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, Lyndon said, “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”.

He added that 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”. 

Lyndon 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. 

Lyndon said: “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.”

He added: “Mealtimes have become blurred and there's 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 like 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 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. For further details please visit https://takul.co.uk/store-finder