According to a survey by British Corner Shop: “British expats across Europe have spoken of their increasing homesickness, with many unable to get hold of their favourite British foods and home comforts for extended periods of time due to both the Covid-19 pandemic and the difficulties that Brexit has caused on food deliveries”.

On-going travel restrictions, red lists and isolation rules have meant that many Brit’s living abroad have been unable to travel home to visit family and friends throughout the last 16-months, which has led to many being unable to stock up on British snacks and food staples that aren’t readily available across the continent.

Online grocery retailer British Corner Shop has analysed sales data to reveal which products have been most popular throughout the last year, with Warburtons Crumpets, Heinz Baked Beans and Bisto Gravy Granules taking the top three spots.
Other favourites include traditional roast dinner, Sage and Onion Stuffing, classic condiment Branston Pickle and the ever-iconic fish and chip accompaniment, mushy peas.

The most-missed chocolate bar was the Cadbury’s Flake, with McVities Ginger Nuts placing top as the most popular British biscuit.

According to the British Corner Shop, demand is “ever-increasing” and the retailer has recently opened a new distribution centre in Europe to support its customers. The new facility means British food-lovers will be able to get their fix of over 2,000 popular products in just a matter of days, free from long delivery periods and custom charges, with the range also set to expand to 4,000 products over the coming weeks.

Mark Callaghan, Managing Director at British Corner Shop said, “We have seen a huge increase in customers shopping for nostalgic products that remind them of home, which is understandable given that many have been unable to travel throughout this difficult period.

“We’re not surprised to see British staples take over our top ten most in-demand products, expats have clearly been craving roast dinners and full English breakfasts – and who can blame them!”

Though many Brits reside in and around central Europe, there is also a huge population of expats globally, living everywhere from Australia to the UAE. The data also revealed the most sought-after products across these regions, with Walkers Cheese and Onion Crisps and McVities Jaffa Cakes both featuring in the top ten.