If you want to eat spicier foods, you will probably live a spicier life.
That’s according to a new survey of 2,000 American adults that tried to find out if there’s a personal connection between people who like spicy food.
Spicy eaters are more likely to enjoy trying new things (76%), feel attractive (62%) and satisfied with their lives (66%) than those who prefer hot.
93% of respondents prefer a certain level of heat in their food. Almost four in 10 (36%) like the spice level to be medium, 33% mild and 24% hot.
conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Frank’s RedHotthe results showed that only 7% of all respondents did not choose heat at all.
21% of those who prefer hot food consider themselves extroverts, 15% of those who eat light food.
Those who bundle up in the heat also describe themselves as creative (54%), confident (51%) and adventurous (44%).
On the other hand, those who tend to stay on the softer side are more likely to describe themselves as empathetic (41%) and even shy (37%).
Mid-warmth lovers fall somewhere in the middle, describing themselves as calm (50%) and curious (44%).
Soft munchers are more likely to be dog people (47%) while moderate heat fans are not preferred (31%).
Spicy lovers are also in tune with their adventurous nature, as more than three in five (76%) enjoy traveling.
Almost a third of spicy food lovers (32%) follow a particular diet, such as vegetarian or vegan – twice as many as non-spicy eaters (13%) and more than those who prefer other spices.
The average respondent has been eating spicy foods for about nine years, but 66 percent of hot lovers have been indulging for more than 10 years.
The results show that the stars have a preference for heat, as Virgos (12%) are more likely to enjoy hot foods.
Leos generally prefer medium spice (11%) and Sagittarians (11%) prefer no spice at all.
“These results only confirm what we already knew: that people who like spicy food also have a spicy personality,” said Kevan Vetter, executive chef at Frank’s RedHot. “It makes perfect sense that those who have experienced the heat are willing to take anything and everything. Fans of heat have a great interest in both pleasure and adventure, and they are always chasing the spice of life.
The survey of 2,000 American adults who celebrate the winter holidays went beyond personal preferences and asked respondents how they add warmth to the holidays and their everyday lives.
During the holiday season, fans of medium heat consider themselves to be the best gift givers (56%).
However, hot food fans are more likely to overcook the food (48%) or “stir the pot” (11%) causing drama or trouble with friends and family.
61% of all respondents plan to be more adventurous in the coming year.
In the New Year, respondents plan to spend more time with family and friends (54%), be more active (45%) and travel more (37%).
Despite the benefits of heat, respondents also plan to mix things up in the kitchen this year, as 45% plan to cook different recipes and 42% want to try new dishes.
More than a third of respondents (35%) are tired of eating the same things every holiday season.
They expect to see turkey (75%), mashed potatoes (74%), gravy (64%), green beans (59%) and pumpkin pie (58%) on the table this year.
Interestingly, respondents identified potatoes (46%) and meat (41%) as the tastiest foods that always require seasoning.
To enhance a meal, respondents add a variety of sauces, such as spices (44%), unique flavor blends (39%), and hot sauce or marinade (39%).
“It’s no wonder people want to spice up their holiday feasts,” said Chef Kevan. “We eat the same dishes every year and people are ready for fantastic recipes and new choices of holiday classics. Adding fresh spices and sauces is the perfect antidote to boring dishes, whipping up dishes with vibrant flavors in seconds.
Research methodology:
A random two-way survey of 2,000 winter vacationers was conducted by Frank’s RedHot between November 1 and November 7, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members hold corporate memberships in the Market Research Society and the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
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