Oh, the things we believe about our grub! From the charming old wives’ tales whispered at family dinners to the supposed science we swear by when knocking about in the kitchen, people have a full pantry of food myths that we accept as gospel.
But what if I told you some of these are as dubious as a soggy chip? Let’s tuck into the top food myths that have us all bamboozled, courtesy of a revealing study by AO.com in collaboration with Hotpoint.
First off, topping our chart of culinary misconceptions is the classic egg test. Yes, 30% of us hold fast to the belief that an egg bobbing in water is about as fresh as last week’s fish and chips.
Next in line, a good 22% of folks reckon reheating rice is akin to culinary blasphemy. And who can forget the 21% of us championing raw veggies over their cooked counterparts for maximum health benefits?
Strolling further down the aisle of illusions, 17% believe that bread turns into the fountain of youth if parked in the fridge.
Close behind, 15% of us are convinced that organic food is the superhero of health food, donned in a cape and ready to save the day.
As we dig deeper, the beliefs just get zestier. Thirteen per cent of us think that chomping on celery is like running a marathon on a treadmill—burning more calories than it brings to the table.
Top Food Myths in Britain
| Myth | Percentage Believing | Fact Check |
|---|---|---|
| If an egg floats in water, it’s not safe to eat | 30% | Myth – An egg can float and still be safe, but it’s older. |
| Rice should never be reheated | 22% | Myth – It’s safe if cooled quickly and reheated thoroughly. |
| Raw vegetables are always healthier | 21% | Myth – Cooking can actually increase some nutrients and digestibility. |
| Bread in the fridge lasts longer | 17% | Myth – Refrigeration can make bread stale faster. |
| Organic food is always healthier | 15% | Myth – Organic foods have lower pesticide levels, but aren’t necessarily higher in nutrients. |
| Eating celery burns more calories than it contains | 13% | Myth – While low in calories, you don’t burn more than you consume. |
| Vinegar never expires | 12% | Fact – Vinegar is highly acidic and can keep indefinitely if stored properly. |
Vinegar not going off? That’s a shelf life story believed by 12%. And 11% hold that a pinch of salt can prevent an egg-splosion in the pot, the same number who swear by chicken soup as the fix for the common cold.
And, let’s not skirt around the 10% who think a quick dive to rescue food from the floor is perfectly fine.
Joining this trio of ten-percenters are those who believe eating fish boosts your IQ and carrots turn you into a night owl with superb vision.
Rounding off our list, a sceptical 9% argue that microwaving your veggies might zap away their nutritious magic.
The origins of these tales? More than half of us got these gems from our mums, and a good chunk from our grandparents. It’s a family affair, really.
Despite the widespread belief in these food fables, only a quarter of respondents cook with fresh ingredients daily. Blame the hectic hustle and bustle of life, which keeps 26% from donning the apron more often.
David Lawson of AO.com notes the whimsy with which we inherit these food fables, while Catherine Balderson of Hotpoint is keen on turning the heat up on our home cooking habits, pushing for a revival in kitchen creativity using what’s at hand.
So, next time you’re about to perform the sacred egg float test or preach the gospel of the five-second rule, perhaps take a pause. Not all kitchen lore holds water—or, in this case, vinegar that never expires.