A study of 2,000 adults found those aged 18–28 have the highest endurance for fiery dishes, with 43 per cent rating their own spice tolerance as ‘high’ or ‘very high’.
This compares to just 37 per cent of Millennials, 31 per cent of Gen X, and only 24 per cent of Boomers. More than one in 10 of Gen Z will go for the hottest option on the menu.
But even if they couldn’t handle it, almost half would at least pretend they could, just to avoid looking ‘weak’ in front of their friends. A third even said they would feel embarrassed if they couldn’t handle something spicy.
A spokesperson for bakery brand St Pierre, which commissioned the research to launch its new Spicy Chilli Brioche Buns, said: “It’s interesting to see how enjoyment and endurance of fiery foods changes between generations. Whilst it may be that the younger generations are more adventurous – they may also just be more committed to saving face!
“Spicy food seems to be a matter of pride for the young, and we can see why – but it’s also great to see the commonalities across generations around not wanting to offend a chef or waste good food – at St Pierre we encourage everyone to ‘eat avec respect’, after all.”
Seven in ten of Boomers claimed to have never hidden that they’ve found something too spicy, this is compared to eight in ten of Gen Z who claim to have so at some point.
One in five ‘always’ finish a dish even if they are visibly sweating, explaining that they don’t want to waste food (28 per cent), offend the cook (26 per cent), or seem too picky (21 per cent).
The research also found 18 per cent of Millennials will put hot sauce on just about anything – with 45 per cent claiming spice enhances the flavour of a dish.
Millennials were also the most open to trying new food, with 76 per cent keen to test out spicy flavours specifically.
And it’s not just food that can get heated – 47 per cent of Millennials and 57 per cent of Gen Z have ended up disagreeing with someone about what to eat because of differences in spice tolerance.
St Pierre’s spokesperson added: “At the end of the day, good food is something that brings us all together – no matter your age.”