Bangers and mash, please! Brits named the LEAST adventurous eaters in Europe while Spaniards and Italians are most likely to try new foods on holiday

Brits are the least adventurous eaters in Europe, according to a new study.

A survey of 14,000 people in 14 countries revealed that Brits are the least likely to sample local food when abroad compared with the country's European neighbours.

The Spanish and Italian are the most open-minded eaters in Europe, with 94 per cent trying new local cuisine while on holiday.

A survey of 14,000 people in 14 countries revealed that the UK are the least likely to sample local food when abroad compared with the country's European neighbours (file image)

But just 57 per cent of UK adults will eat unknown food or indulge in local delicacies - putting Brits bottom of the list of nationals from 14 countries and well below the 79 per cent European average.

The research was commissioned by Expedia as part of their 'Europe on a plate' campaign which aims to help people expand their food horizons and uncover the hidden gems of Europe through locals' eyes.

Travellers from Germany (83 per cent), the Netherlands (77 per cent) and even Ireland (75 per cent) all show a far greater willingness to experiment with foreign food and to be pushed out of their comfort zones than Brits.

While holidaymakers from Finland (59 per cent) were the only other nationality to score lower than 60 per cent of people willing to try new foods - still finishing above the UK.

Alex Platts, Commercial Director of Northern Europe, Brand Expedia said: 'Our survey highlighted that the UK is far below the average and showed the least willingness to try new food of all 14 of the countries studied.

'Perhaps this means us Brits know what we like and are content to stick to it, but it also could point to us feeling a little hesitant or struggling to know how to broaden our horizons.

The Spanish and Italian are the most open-minded eaters in Europe, with 94 per cent trying new local cuisine while on holiday (file image)

'There's nothing wrong with knowing what you like and keeping to it but there is also a world of food out there to be experienced and enjoyed, and we want to help as many people discover it.'

Despite less willingness to be adventurous with our food while overseas, food is still a big priority for Brits with nearly a third saying it influences where they go.

Brits are most open minded to Italian food, followed by the Spanish when quizzed on where they would be willing to travel in the pursuit of good cooking.

But when it comes to trying Japanese or Vietnamese cuisine Brits are far more hesitant, results showed.

And while the British palates may not be as refined as the rest of Europe, the UK's restaurant service more than holds its own as Brits deem table service in the UK second highest in quality, with only that offered in Italy any better.

Expedia has partnered with 12 food bloggers across Europe to help travellers eat more like a locals on their next trip in the new 'Europe on a plate' campaign.

Alex Platts added: 'Expedia believes in the true value of local and authentic experiences and sampling local delicacies found nowhere else can have a huge impact on how we enjoy a visit to somewhere new.

'Europe on a plate' encourages people to find and try new foods that they normally might not and create new memories and experiences to come back with from any trip away.'