Is the Christmas roast toast? Brits eat 117 pieces of party food each over festive season

Tis the season to be jolly - and to swap the turkey and trimmings for a sausage roll or three.

New research has revealed that the average Brit will eat 117 pieces of party food over the festive season, including 14 pigs in blankets, 13 sausage rolls, nine mini pizzas and eight filo prawns.

While the traditional roast remains popular, tastes are definitely changing. A third of us now plan to ditch the full sit-down dinner in favour of a no-fuss festive feast, according to the study by Iceland Foods.

The main reason for this is convenience with 59% viewing party food as less stressful to prepare on the day than a multi-course sitdown meal.

However, many Brits just love finger food; 53% think it tastes better, 54% say it makes them happier and 57% simply enjoy eating it more. Our favourite party pieces are pigs in blankets (28%), followed by cheese (14%), sausage rolls (11%), chicken nuggets (8%), and mini pizzas (6%).

And with two million Brits planning to eat it every day during the festive season and 19% seeing it as a breakfast option on Christmas Day, it's no surprise we'll get through 7.75 billion pieces of party food this year alone.

Paul Dhaliwal, chief commercial officer of Iceland Foods, said: "It's clear the traditional roast is on the back burner this year, Brits are embracing the variety and excitement of bite-sized celebrations instead.

"Party food has become the new festive favourite. It's fun, fuss-free and perfect for sharing, whether you're eating standing up, sitting down, or even tucking in for breakfast!"

The survey also found that Yorkshire is the spiritual home of Christmas party food, with Sheffield and Leeds the top two places across the UK that eat the most.

To celebrate the nation's love of party food, Iceland's Mega Christmas Event, which runs from November 6 to December 26, offers shoppers three for £5 and eight for £10 on party food favourites as well as half price on a number of other items including selection boxes. Those who do want a traditional roast can grab a range of Christmas meat joints for just £10.

Party (food) people! The 117 buffet bites Brits will eat this Christmas

• 14 pigs in blankets

• 13 cocktail sausages

• 13 sausage rolls

• 11 spring rolls

• 11 cheeseboards

• 11 chicken nuggets

• 10 mozzarella sticks

• 9 samosas

• 9 mini pizzas

• 8 prawn rings

• 8 filo prawns