Christmas dinner is something most of us look forward to. Whether we eat meat, are vegetarian, vegan or have a food intolerance, many of us enjoy tucking into festive food at this time of year. Like many holidays, the meals we eat are central to the celebrations on both sides of the Atlantic, but do Americans eat the same Christmas food as the British, or do they enjoy a completely different feast? So who needs a food intolerance test for Christmas food? And what foods do we eat in Britain that are different to America?
Turkey, all the way
Turkey is arguably the most common centrepiece on the Christmas table in the UK, and it’s not much different in America. In fact, according to a recent survey, 73% of Americans opt for turkey on Christmas day, so its synonymity with all things festive still stands. For those who aren’t fans of poultry, popular alternatives on both continents include roast beef, pork and ham, with many choosing to put more than one type on meat on the Christmas table for this very reason.
Don’t forget the trimmings
As much as the turkey (or meat-free alternative) is the main event, its accompaniments are equally delicious. Both sides of the Atlantic favour vegetables such as potatoes (mashed and roasted), green beans and carrots covered in gravy, while pigs in blankets and stuffing also go down a treat. Yorkshire puddings, however, are one of the few items that aren’t typically enjoyed by Americans on Christmas Day but remain a firm favourite with Brits, who enjoy both homemade and pre-cooked versions on the 25th of December.
Go traditional for dessert
If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t be disappointed by Christmas desserts; there are plenty of them. The British and Americans tend to favour tradition and follow their main courses with Christmas pudding (although often referred to as ‘figgy pudding’ in the US) and Christmas cake, both of which are sweet, contain dried fruit and are often soaked in alcohol. Of course, there is often more than one pudding on offer at the Christmas table, and cheesecake and chocolate yule logs are popular alternatives on both continents.
Drink up
Although the main components of Christmas dinner are very similar for the British and Americans, each has its own preferences when it comes to seasonal tipples. Eggnog first appeared in the US colonies in the 18th century and contained warm spices, cream, egg and a spirit such as rum, bourbon or brandy. It’s still a traditional drink in America but is rarely chosen by the British during the seasonal period. Instead, mulled wine is often sipped during the holidays in the UK and is especially favoured at outdoor events such as Christmas markets. When it comes to Christmas Eve, both nationalities like to put out milk for Santa Claus, where tradition still stands strong, although he probably wouldn’t be averse to something more substantial!
Contact us to find out who needs a food intolerance test at Christmas
If you’d like more information on food intolerance tests so you know what to eliminate from your diet, please email [email protected] or use the contact us form on our website. We can help you to start the new year feeling your best and provide a comprehensive report on the items you’re intolerant to.
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