Two-thirds of adults allow themselves to eat food in bed – but there’s no limit to soup, pasta and stir-fry. A study of 2,000 Americans found that 47% ate snacks or meals in bed, and 85% were planning or expecting breakfast in bed this Valentine’s Day. But 34% only allow food to be eaten under the covers, especially potentially unsatisfying foods such as tacos, curry and ramen. Despite different opinions, the polled consensus results, chocolate and ice cream are acceptable to eat in bed. If any meal should be eaten under the duvet, it is breakfast, according to 52% and the likes of yoghurt, toast and croissants appeared on the list of ‘allowed’ foods. Commissioned by bakery brand St Pierre and conducted by OnePoll, the study found that 52% admitted they cannot enjoy eating in bed because they are too worried about the mess. And while 26% believe it’s lazy, 44% argued that food in bed is romantic. “There is clearly a divide around the idea of eating in bed,” said a St Pierre spokesperson. “While some will allow a greasy takeaway box or messy sauce-covered meal in the boudoir, others understandably draw the line at anything other than breakfast. “The first meal of the day in bed, especially with a partner, has long been seen as a sign of romance, and many of us are planning to start Valentine’s Day this year doing just that.” The study also found that it took Americans an average of seven weeks together before they brought their meals to the bedroom. This Valentine’s Day, 69% plan to make breakfast in bed for their loved one, and 16% hope they will be the recipient. However, 72% had to dispose of bedding as a result of a food-related spill and 49% asked someone else to get out of their bed because they made crumbs. Therefore, many people rely on things like a napkin (70%), a tray (63%) or a towel (52%) to avoid accidents. Other situations where people are most likely to eat in bed are watching TV (66%), usually at the weekend (54%) or on a date (52%). Almost half of the people polled chose to sit under the duvet if they eat (47%), while 46% would prefer to sit on top of it. And 74% admitted that they are more relaxed about eating in bed if it is someone else’s than their own. “Sharing food with a loved one is the perfect way to be careful, but our research suggests that such gestures can backfire, with 83% of Americans asked to get out of bed to faux pass food or drink!,” added the spokesperson. “That’s why we’re offering St Pierre NAPkins for dinner, to keep the love alive and prevent any crosswords over croissants this Valentine’s Day.” “Although breakfast is the most common meal enjoyed in bed, one in five Americans are more likely to eat lunch or dinner under the covers. “St Pierre products are perfect for any time of day, and since 63% of Americans currently own food-stained bed sheets, we’re giving 50 lucky winners the chance to win a NAPkin St Pierre, their sheets protect and make bedtime meals in the future. a little more amazing.” For your chance to win, take the quiz HERE. TOP 10 FOODS A MIND IS ALLOWED TO EAT IN BED: Yoghurt Chocolate Fruit Ice cream Pizza Burger Cake Biscuits Biscuits Sandwich 10 FREE FOODS TOP AVOIDS Eating in bed: Pasta soup and sauce Roast dinner Stir fry Fish curry and chips Tacos Ramen and mashed potatoes
