The poll also quizzed consumers to find out what is the nation’s favorite cake, with some surprising results in the Top 20.
Unexpectedly, the survey found the Victoria Sponge has been dethroned by the Lemon Drizzle, with the British old-fashioned classic Date and walnut loaf only just making it onto the list at twentieth spot.
Only 15% of respondents voted for Red Velvet, the darling of bakery shelves just a year or two ago, placing it in nineteenth spot.
Better than sex
Even more startling, the study found that 44% of Brits – 73% of which are women – would chose a slice of cake over sex with their other half.
However – quite unsurprisingly, considering the global trend towards healthier snacks that are lower in sugar, salt and fats – it found that four in 10 Brits (38%) admitted to feeling guilty after indulging in a slice of cake.
“This study shows we’re not just a nation of cake lovers, we’re a nation of cake bakers, too. Yet many of us don’t have time to bake from scratch,” said Emma Frain, brand manager for Protein World.
“To meet the needs of time-poor, caking-loving Brits who don’t want to pile on the pounds every time they reach for a slice, Protein World has developed a new range of low calorie baking mixes, meaning the nation really can have their cake and eat it.”
The nation’s favorites
Researchers polled 2,000 Brits to reveal the nation’s favorite cake, with 40% voting for lemon drizzle, placing it in the top spot, followed by 38% for chocolate fudge cake and 37% for carrot cake.
The American-born chocolate brownie came in fourth, leaving the classic British Victoria sponge trailing in fifth place.
Top 20
The survey found most Brits enjoyed a slice of cake on average three times a week, typically around 3pm at
Yet, there are downsides to the nation’s passion for cake.
While the average Brit consumes around 237 calories of cake or sweet treats daily, 64% said they’d like to find a way to enjoy that treat without sugar and remorse.
Brits bake around four times a month, with 60% of respondents admitting to a baking disaster.
On average, home bakers burn two cakes a year and serve up a further two which haven’t risen. The average baker also loses one cake a year to the family pet, which eats it while it cools.
Interestingly, the survey revealed that as people get older, their love affair with baked goods fades. Only 60% of over-60s called themselves ‘cake lovers,’ compared to the national average of 77%.