It has long been said that a man’s stomach is the way to his heart, but as it turns out, the same could probably be said for women.
A new study of 2,000 singletons has unveiled that it is a case of ‘love at first bite’ for more than one in five Brits, who admit they decide whether to continue dating someone – based on their FOOD PREFERENCES.
To see how far food really goes in finding love, superstar singleton – Lewis Capaldi– has taken part in a unique dating experiment where the international popstar is matched with complete strangers, connected only through their love of the same foods and flavours.
The new film dubbed ‘Love at First Bite’ sees single women compete against each other to see if it is a match made in foodie heaven with the funny man.
Commissioned by Peperami Chicken Bites, the experiment follows a recent survey, where thousands of singletons unveiled that they would only consider a future with someone if they shared the same taste in cuisine and are considered ‘food compatible’ (23 per cent).
In fact, 14 per cent admitted they would end a budding romance if the person in question had completely different tastes to them.
And 11 per cent have, or would, decide against a second date based on their prospective lover’s food order.
Lewis is the first to enter in the video, taking a seat and telling the camera what he hopes will come out of the experiment.
“I’m hoping to be dazzled.” he says. “My mouth has gone undazzled for too long.”
Then, each of the women introduce themselves, pitching the dish that hopefully will gain the attention of the celebrity dater.
Capaldi declares he likes going on dates, stating “I like the rush. I like the excitement. You know, what’s going to happen?”
The ‘Before You Go’ hit maker then goes on to explain the role food plays in his life and why it is so important when finding a love interest.
“Food is amazing for any occasion. When someone dies, there’s sandwiches at the funeral. When someone gets married, what’s that – a canape, yum!”
“And of course, when you’re on a date you’re eating the food off the table and if you’re into that sort of thing, in the bedroom!”
Cheeky Capaldi continues to detail what he is looking for in a potential partner.
“If she’s American, that would be good so I can get a green card and we can get married. From a professional standpoint that would be really helpful.”
Reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in October last year and walking away with two BRITs at the 2020 ceremony, Lewis’ career has gone from strength to strength. But what about his personal life?
In recent years, the Scottish-native has been known to often poke fun at his relationship status on Twitter.
During the experiment, the popstar explains why he is “such a catch”.
“I’ve got a forehead that goes on for days. I’ve got just a bang on average genitalia. I’ve got a car, I can drive you to places, even if you want to be in an open relationship, I can drive you to that place. And of course, I am handsome, so handsome and in shape.”
Lewis has recently dismissed claims he has joined X-rated content site, Only Fans, because his manhood is too small.
Finally, Lewis declares he is “looking to fall in love and looking to have kids – tonight!”
The usually private superstar has rarely spoken about his dating life over the years.
Next, Capaldi tastes three dishes created by the mystery chefs. Clearly impressed by all, he struggles to make his decision, but lands on a dish made by blonde beauty, Megan.
Thanking her for the dish, Lewis jokingly apologies that she has not been welcomed by heartthrob and heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, who has also taken part in the unique dating experiment.
“Thank you for the dish. I’m very sorry I’m not Anthony Joshua – although we do look similar.”
The singer-songwriter is then joined by his blind date, as they giggle nervously and prepare to see if it is love at first bite.
Dishing the dirt on dating do’s and don’ts, the star unveils that he “belched” halfway through the meal and his date “didn’t even flinch.”
As the couple bond and laugh throughout the experience, singleton Megan asks Lewis if his next song is going to be written about her winning dish.
The musician says, “Yes. I’ve always wanted to do culinary themed music and I’ve always said there is a market for it. ‘Megan’s Nachos’ coming 2021.
The video concludes that love really is possible at first bite – through connection over cuisine, unique scenario, and some amount of physical attraction probably.
With grub the key to getting the guy or girl, according to the survey, more than half believe that someone liking the same dishes and flavours as them makes them more attractive.
17 per cent feel so passionate about it, that they would not go out with someone with different tastes – even if they were a millionaire.
When questioned, respondents declared that they were more likely to judge what is on their dates plate than their shoes, what car they drive and how much money they make!
Incredibly, 30 per cent stated that food was more important to them than sex (17 per cent).
The research also found that a quarter said the person being compatible with them when it comes to food has a strong bearing on whether a date is going well.
Food psychologist, Dr Christy Fergusson, commented on the findings: “Having studied the behavioural patterns behind peoples relationships with food for many years, it isn’t surprising to hear that food plays such an important role when searching for a partner.
“What someone eats and the food choices they make can give important insights into who they are. In dating it helps us to assess if they are going to be a good fit for us and our lifestyle and values.
“Most people recognise that in dating and relationships so much of our interaction is centred around food. Where to go for a meal, what to buy from the supermarket, what to have for lunch, what takeaway to order from. Food choice compatibility can be key in dating.
“It’s clear that we don’t only make decisions about compatibility with our head and our heart – but our taste buds too!”
Depending on the dish in question, 12 per cent would consider walking out on a date purely because of what the other person ordered.
Those who mention food on their online dating profiles are more likely to receive messages from potential suitors.
Foods which Brits think should be avoided on an initial date were found to cover off anything with lots of onion (23 per cent), garlic (36 per cent) or fish (10 per cent).
On the other hand, foods considered ‘safe’ on a first date included chicken (39 per cent), pizza (39 per cent) and steak (39 per cent).
A Peperami spokesman added: “It’s interesting to understand how food can influence who we fall for and how ordering a controversial dish could mean the end of a short-lived romance.
“We want to help Brits find their soulmate, which is why we’re having a go at playing matchmaker. To give us the best chance of creating genuine connections, dishes will contain the most popular food voted by singletons – chicken!
“We’re looking forward to helping those who are often unclucky in love and seeing if it really is love at first bite.”
