FROM WARDROBES TO KNICKER DRAWS: EXPOSING THE SECRET SNACKING HABITS OF THE AVERAGE BRIT

FROM WARDROBES TO KNICKER DRAWS: EXPOSING THE SECRET SNACKING HABITS OF THE AVERAGE BRIT

Behind the closed doors of British homes, lies a secret world of indulgence and stealthy snacking. New research from The Delicious Dessert Company has unveiled that over 8 in 10 of us (83%) can’t resist a secret scoff and a further 44% of Brits have no qualms about hiding their sweet treats from others.

Top Drawer Secrets
When it comes to concealing their guilty pleasures, Brits showcase a flair for creative and snack hiding schemes, with popular hiding spots including bedroom wardrobes (17%), kitchen cupboards (32%), and plain sight around the house (32%). Surprisingly, 7% of respondents even confess to stashing snacks in their underwear drawers and particular hot favourite tactic of the of 25-year-olds (10%). Not to be outdone, 6% of respondents reveal their secret stash within gym bags, turning workout gear into a surprising trove of hidden treats.

Men vs. Women: The Great Hide-Off
When it comes to hideaway ideas, there is a notable difference between the sexes. While men were more likely than women to come up with some creative solutions, with top choices including car compartments (14%), office spaces (11%), and even shoeboxes (8%). In contrast, women appear to be erring on the side of caution, opting for easy access and familiar hiding spots such as the kitchen cupboards (42%), bedroom wardrobes (21%), and the top of shelves (21%).

Age-Old Tactics: Young vs. Old:
Age also plays a role in more cunning hiding strategies, with 10% under 25s admitting to stashing treats in their underwear drawers, and 14% of those aged 35-44 resorting to car compartments for their secret snacking. In contrast, older respondents (over 65s) prefer the classic charm of hiding their indulgent treats under the bed (14%).

Claire Smith. Head of Insight at The Delicious Dessert Company commented: “From our latest survey it appears that so many of us live ‘double lives’ when it comes to food – battling between the things people think they should be doing for themselves or maybe to impress others, set against focusing on what makes them happy. In our busy lives there is always room for people to have those special moments of indulgence and reward too – those small, inexpensive things that can lift a day. At The Delicious Dessert Company we have a raft of new products we have just launched and maybe a time when people will think less about what they should be doing – and more about what makes them happy.”

Top 10 places where people hide snacks and sweet treats from people in their household.
In kitchen cupboards/pantry
32%
On the top shelves
21%
In my bedroom wardrobe
17%
At the back of the fridge
14%
Under the bed
10%
In my car
10%
In my underwear draw
7%
Behind the sofa
6%
In my gym bag
6%

Leicester TV

Almost four in ten homes in England are without a carbon monoxide alarm, according to the latest government data, prompting heating experts at Ideal Heating to urge households to make gas safety a priority as autumn approaches.  The latest English Housing Survey shows that 62% of homes had a carbon monoxide alarm, leaving a significant proportion without one. With around three-quarters of UK households relying on a gas boiler as their main source of heating, millions could benefit from reviewing their gas safety measures before temperatures fall.  As households prepare to rely more heavily on their heating as temperatures fall, experts at Ideal Heating are using Gas Safety Week (14th–20th September) to remind them of the steps they can take to stay safe around gas appliances.   From keeping on top of annual checks to recognising the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, Ideal Heating has shared five things every household should know.  Perform annual checks and maintenance Keeping on top of regular checks and maintenance is one of the simplest measures you can take to ensure your home is gas safe. This includes:   An Annual Boiler Check   Servicing your boiler once a year will not only keep the warranty intact but also ensure it is running smoothly and efficiently. If you haven’t serviced your boiler already this year, Ideal Heating recommend doing so as soon as possible while demand is lower, as boiler servicing and repairs begin to pick up over the colder months.   An Annual Gas Safety Check   This involves an inspection of relevant gas appliances in your home and should be carried out by a Gas Safe-registered Engineer. If you’re renting your property, your landlord should ensure that these checks are performed every 12 months. This should take only about half an hour and will ensure your appliances are safe and that there are no gas leaks.  Typically, these checks are performed together, so you can ensure your home is safe in a single visit.  Learn what to do in an emergency  Gas is naturally odourless and colourless, so an odorant called mercaptan is added to give it its distinctive sulphur-like or “rotten egg” smell.    Acting fast in a gas emergency is vital.  If you think you can smell gas, open all the doors and windows in your home to increase ventilation. Then, if it is safe to do so, turn off the gas isolation valve, leave the property, and contact National Emergency Gas Service. Avoid anything that could create a flame or spark, and do not turn the gas on again until the problem has been investigated and you have been told it is safe to do so.   Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm  It’s important to note that carbon monoxide can also leak from malfunctioning gas appliances, and a carbon monoxide detector should be in place to help detect it. If you have a boiler, stove, or a fuel-burning fireplace, it’s recommended that you have a carbon monoxide alarm in your home.   Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions; it is usually recommended to place the alarm roughly 15 cm away from the ceiling. Regularly test the alarm and batteries to ensure your system is working smoothly.   Understand the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning  Would you be able to spot the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning? There are 6 key indicators, including:   Headaches Dizziness Nausea  Breathlessness  Collapsing  Loss of consciousness If you begin to feel unwell, seek medical assistance immediately, and let them know you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide.   Look out for warning signs on your appliances  Monitoring your heating system can ensure faults or concerns are addressed immediately. As your heating is used more regularly, pay attention to anything unusual or different in how your appliances operate  Look out for any leaks, cracks, or unusual noises from your appliances, and if anything seems out of the ordinary, get it checked by a Gas Safe Engineer.

Almost four in ten homes in England are without a carbon monoxide alarm, according to the latest government data, prompting heating experts at Ideal Heating to urge households to make gas safety a priority as autumn approaches. The latest English Housing Survey shows that 62% of homes had a carbon monoxide alarm, leaving a significant proportion without one. With around three-quarters of UK households relying on a gas boiler as their main source of heating, millions could benefit from reviewing their gas safety measures before temperatures fall. As households prepare to rely more heavily on their heating as temperatures fall, experts at Ideal Heating are using Gas Safety Week (14th–20th September) to remind them of the steps they can take to stay safe around gas appliances. From keeping on top of annual checks to recognising the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, Ideal Heating has shared five things every household should know. Perform annual checks and maintenance Keeping on top of regular checks and maintenance is one of the simplest measures you can take to ensure your home is gas safe. This includes: An Annual Boiler Check Servicing your boiler once a year will not only keep the warranty intact but also ensure it is running smoothly and efficiently. If you haven’t serviced your boiler already this year, Ideal Heating recommend doing so as soon as possible while demand is lower, as boiler servicing and repairs begin to pick up over the colder months. An Annual Gas Safety Check This involves an inspection of relevant gas appliances in your home and should be carried out by a Gas Safe-registered Engineer. If you’re renting your property, your landlord should ensure that these checks are performed every 12 months. This should take only about half an hour and will ensure your appliances are safe and that there are no gas leaks. Typically, these checks are performed together, so you can ensure your home is safe in a single visit. Learn what to do in an emergency Gas is naturally odourless and colourless, so an odorant called mercaptan is added to give it its distinctive sulphur-like or “rotten egg” smell. Acting fast in a gas emergency is vital. If you think you can smell gas, open all the doors and windows in your home to increase ventilation. Then, if it is safe to do so, turn off the gas isolation valve, leave the property, and contact National Emergency Gas Service. Avoid anything that could create a flame or spark, and do not turn the gas on again until the problem has been investigated and you have been told it is safe to do so. Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm It’s important to note that carbon monoxide can also leak from malfunctioning gas appliances, and a carbon monoxide detector should be in place to help detect it. If you have a boiler, stove, or a fuel-burning fireplace, it’s recommended that you have a carbon monoxide alarm in your home. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions; it is usually recommended to place the alarm roughly 15 cm away from the ceiling. Regularly test the alarm and batteries to ensure your system is working smoothly. Understand the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning Would you be able to spot the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning? There are 6 key indicators, including: Headaches Dizziness Nausea Breathlessness Collapsing Loss of consciousness If you begin to feel unwell, seek medical assistance immediately, and let them know you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide. Look out for warning signs on your appliances Monitoring your heating system can ensure faults or concerns are addressed immediately. As your heating is used more regularly, pay attention to anything unusual or different in how your appliances operate Look out for any leaks, cracks, or unusual noises from your appliances, and if anything seems out of the ordinary, get it checked by a Gas Safe Engineer.