Survey says these are the top 30 icks when it comes to food

By Charlie Bayliss via SWNS

The top food turn-offs, or "icks", include licking fingers when eating, double-dipping – and eating with your mouth open, according to research.

The study, of 2,000 adults, revealed that 60 percent can’t stand people who are rude to waiters, while 49 percent hate it when someone spits something back onto their plate.

Other "icks" include playing with food, criticizing someone's cooking, and putting ketchup on every meal.

But 63 percent admitted food was important to them when it comes to relationships – with 21 percent claiming it would cause a rift if their partner didn’t enjoy their favorite meal.

The stats emerged in a study commissioned by Domino's to mark its partnership with Cadbury's Crème Egg with a ‘Domino’s Cookie with Crème Egg’.

Psychologist and love expert Jo Hemmings said: “Over the years, I’ve been able to get a real insight into relationships and what makes people tick – and something that always comes up on top is food.

“Food really is an important element when it comes to relationships and dating. You can always tell a thing or two by a person’s eating and food habits – so, whether you’re lucky in love, or can’t stand the sight of Valentine’s Day, remember to keep these top ticks and icks in mind.”

The study also found that while there’s an abundance of food icks that turn us off, only 28 percent would be willing to speak out on a first date.

There’s a short shrift for fussy eaters, too, with 23 percent unwilling to date someone who sticks to the straight and narrow.

If you’re looking to win over a potential suitor, a meal is a good way of going about it, as 82 percent admit food makes them happy.

Having someone cook for you (54 percent), a surprise date night, and someone else doing the tidying up after you’ve cooked (both 35 percent), are also among the top food turn-ons.

While the other half picking up the bill was also a positive for 35 percent, particularly for women (42 percent), compared to just 27 percent of men.

If you’re wondering whether going out might be the answer though, think again, as a takeaway at home (55 percent) far outweighs a night out (21 percent).

A spokesperson for Domino's, which is allowing people to test their love compatibility at www.lovedommeter.co.uk, said: “Whether you like your crust stuffed, your wedges double dipped, it’s clear that food can make or break a relationship.

“Pizza is perfect for those struggling with date night indecisiveness, so if you’re debating what you want for dinner, leave it to us to tingle the tastebuds this Valentine’s Day with a piping hot delivery that is guaranteed to give you love at first slice.”

TOP 30 FOOD ICKS:

1. Being rude to waiters or waitresses
2. Eating with your mouth open
3. Talking with a mouth full of food
4. Spitting something back out onto a plate
5. Picking your teeth
6. Slurping soup
7. Eating other people's leftovers without asking
8. Licking a knife
9. Criticising someone’s cooking
10. Licking fingers instead of using a napkin
11. Double-dipping on a shared spread
12. Starting to eat before the whole table has their food
13. Putting ketchup on every meal
14. Preparing fish in the office microwave
15. Playing with food
16. Hogging food
17. Swallowing without chewing
18. Sucking in spaghetti or noodles
19. Stealing some of your chips while they wait for their own meal
20. Adding salt before you have tried the food
21. Eating really quickly
22. Eating with hands
23. Hogging dips
24. Not putting the knife and fork together after finishing your plate of food
25. Someone ordering really stinky cheese
26. Taking ages to eat
27. Mixing ketchup and mayo together
28. Eating just the pizza and leaving the crusts
29. Using a knife and fork to eat pizza
30. Ordering a well-done steak