Pairing food with drink is very much in fashion, as multiple recent stories on SLTN’s food pages attest.
But while much attention has been lavished on which white wine to serve with halibut, and indeed which red best complements venison, there has been scant attention paid to the really big question – do pork scratchings make beer taste better?
But now new research commissioned by Tayto Group – coincidentally the producer of category-leading pork scratching brands Midland Snacks and Mr. Porky – has provided an answer.
In real life in-pub testing, accompanied by a 2000-consumer survey, drinkers who paired their beer with pork scratchings reported higher levels of flavour, refreshment and overall enjoyment than those drinking beer on its own.
Further, Tayto suggested that the findings are backed up by science that explains exactly why pork scratchings pair so well with a beer.
Noted beer scientist Jaega Wise – British Guild of Beer Writers ‘Brewer of the Year – said: “Pork scratchings bring intensity – you’ve got salt, crunch, richness and that deep savoury flavour all happening at once, which is exactly why they’ve remained such a satisfying snack to eat with a pint for generations.”
In detail, when pairing a pint with pork scratchings, the survey found that:
- 76% of consumers said that the scratchings improved the flavour of their beer;
- Consumers rated their beer 21.2% tastier and 16.7% more refreshing;
- Drinkers were four times more likely to rate their beer 9 or 10-out-of-10;
- Pork Scratchings are the No.1 snack with lager (44%) – beating crisps and nuts into 2nd and 3rd place.
“We’re sharing these facts with a national PR campaign across press, radio and social media – so pork scratchings pairing perfectly with beer will be front of mind for the World Cup as the nation raises a glass in support of its football teams,” said Tayto.
