THE region is divided in its opinion on mashed potato at Christmas, according to a new survey. 

The stats suggest families in the north of Britain are more likely to have mash on their Christmas dinner plate compared to the South.

Those living in the North East are most likely to choose mashed potato, with three quarters of residents picking it as part of their perfect plate - and almost half of those living in the North West (49%)- while only one in five people living in the South East would consider it a crucial part of their Christmas dinner.

Looking to discover what the nation’s preferred Christmas dinner plate comprises of, Seasonal Spuds – an initiative backed by the UK’s leading potato producer Branston that looks to inspire the public to enjoy more potatoes – commissioned the online YouGov survey of more than 1,800 members of the public who celebrate Christmas across England, Scotland and Wales.

Jackie Baker, communications manager at Branston said: “Admittedly, we were hoping to see spuds rank highly, but we were stunned to see such a north south divide on mash.”

The survey also found the Christmas dinner items families can't go without:

  • Roast potatoes 94%
  • Carrots 80%
  • Stuffing 79%
  • Meat gravy 75%
  • Pigs in blankets 74%
  • Turkey 70%
  • Brussels sprouts 69%
  • Yorkshire puddings 66%
  • Parsnips 65%
  • Peas 54%

Red cabbage, leeks and bread sauce were all distinctly less popular in the North West than in the rest of the country.

No matter where you lived in the country, the nation appeared to agree on roast potatoes with them ranking at the top of people’s dinner wish list this Christmas.