National BBQ Week 2021: The UK’s most popular barbecue foods revealed

New research: The Most Popular BBQ Foods to Stock up on This Summer

While you may not be able to meet indoors with all of your family and friends, groups of up to 30 are allowed in outdoor spaces, including private gardens, over the height of summer.

If you’re hosting a backyard get-together, what food should you stock up on?

For national BBQ week this year (July 5th – July 18th) online suppliers of quality produce Eat Great Meat have analysed the foods we’ve all been purchasing as the weather has started ramping up, to reveal the most popular ingredients for your barbecue this summer.

The research analysed the increase in BBQ related food searches for the first heatwave of the summer in June, when temperatures peaked at 27 degrees.

Overall, beef saw the largest increase in popularity due to the surge in temperatures, with 488% more interest in BBQ-related beef search terms during the heatwave.

Beef is fantastic for the barbecue, in particular charcoal barbecues, as the smokiness is infused into the meat, resulting in a flavourful main dish that guests and family will enjoy.

Noel Bramall, Spokesperson for Eat Great Meat, said: “There are so many different cuts of beef to choose from that suit different cooking styles, timings, and palettes.

“If you’re after a shredded BBQ beef style main, I’d recommend picking up a harder working, tougher cut of meat like beef brisket. These can be slow-cooked on the barbecue in indirect heat for up to eight hours.

“For a quicker cooking time, pick up a rib of beef cut or rolled sirloin. The rib cut can take around two to two and a half hours to cook in indirect heat, while a sirloin cooks faster.”

Bacon came in second, seeing a 400% increase in BBQ-related search terms, followed by salmon with a 367% increase in interest.

The research also compared the popularity of the two main barbecue types. Charcoal BBQ’s saw an increase in interest of 138%, versus an increase in gas BBQs of 113%.

Noel adds: “While charcoal BBQ’s are harder to light than gas, fans argue they add more smokiness and flavour to your food. If your gas BBQ isn’t creating that desired barbecue taste, consider adding some wood chips for additional smoke next time you cook.

“Barbecues are one of the most enjoyable, sociable events that you can host outdoors this summer. Nothing can beat a day in the garden, enjoying good food, and relaxing in the sun. Make the most of this summer with a barbecue, and be sure to stock up on the UK’s most popular BBQ foods for your guests.”

Increase in interest for BBQ related terms:

1. Beef – 488%
2. Bacon – 400%
3. Salmon – 367%
4. Steak – 226%
5. Lamb – 178%
6. Sausage – 138%
7. Chicken – 117%
8. Chicken Wings – 107%
9. Brisket – 79%
10. Burger – 79%
11. Pork – 43%
12. Skewers – 41%
13. Pork Belly – 30%
14. Ribs – 28%
15. Halloumi – 21%