Quiche is off the menu as our picky bits get a Med makeover

Published: 00:05, 2 June 2026 | Updated: 00:05, 2 June 2026 For many, quiche, potato salad, coleslaw and egg mayo are the taste of summer – an easy spread to eat cold when it is too hot for a cooked meal. But the staples that were once dished up when no one could stand the heat in the kitchen are being replaced by some rather more sophisticated options. When the temperature rises nowadays, Britons are more likely to reach for Spanish ham, olives and whipped feta, a survey reveals. It also suggests that, in June, the oven is turned off and hot evening meals are swapped for 'picky bits' at least three times a week.  But classics such as corned beef, crisps and cocktail sausages have become outdated, and 83 per cent say the traditional British 'picky tea' has acquired a Mediterranean makeover. And as the evenings get warmer, 62 per cent of Gen Z – born between 1997 and 2012 – are eating later, as is common in Spain, Greece and Italy.  Supermarket shelves are now filled with continental deli options that would have been unheard of 20 years ago, and 79 per cent of those polled say that picky bits have evolved significantly from the processed foods they used to be.  Instead, food such as Serrano ham (22 per cent), falafel (20 per cent) and frittata (17 per cent) have become favourites for a summer spread. As the weather gets hotter, a survey has revealed Brits are turning away from classics like quiche in favour of Spanish ham, olives and whipped feta Your browser does not support iframes. Olives were the top choice for 53 per cent, followed by flatbreads, breadsticks, houmous and chorizo, according to the survey of 2,000 Britons commissioned by food brand Unearthed. Spanish chef Omar Allibhoy said: 'Picky bits have come a long way from their humble beginnings, evolving from making a meal with whatever is in the fridge to fresher, simply prepared and lighter tapas-style dinners when it's too hot to cook. 'It reflects the public's demand for Mediterranean flavours that are easy and quick to rustle up.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.