New study proves pub snack really does make beer taste better

A new study has just proven what many of us have suspected all along: snacking on pork scratching while you're enjoying a pint really does make your beer taste better.

There are few things more enticing on a hot summer’s day than a cold pint and a salty snack, and it turns out there’s a very good reason for that.

New research from Mr Porky found that 76% of beer drinkers say pork scratchings improve their overall enjoyment when having them with a pint.

Meanwhile, more than half (58%) also reckon pork scratchings improve the flavour of beer, while 65% said they make beer feel more refreshing and 62% said they help beer quench their thirst.

Mr Porky)

The findings were confirmed in a real-world taste test in a pub, where drinkers were given beer both with and without pork scratchings, while unaware their preferences were being observed.

The team found that a whopping 77% of pub-goers who paired their pint with pork scratchings said the snack improved the taste of their beer.

When tasked with rating the beer, participants scored it 21% higher for enjoyment when paired with pork scratchings, and 17% more refreshing.

Beer scientist and Brewer of the Year, Jaega Wise, shared some insight into why the combo works so well.

“A lot of it comes down to contrast,” Wise explained.

“Beer can bring bitterness, carbonation and that uncanny ability to quench one's thirst, while pork scratchings are salty, rich and intensely crunchy. Put them together and each one lifts the other. Making both the beer and scratchings extra moreish!”

Wise went on to say that the saltiness of the pork scratching enhances the flavour of the beer, and that texture also plays a ‘huge role’, thanks to the scratching’s satisfying crunch.

Mr Porky)

“Carbonation also plays an important role. It both provides an aroma lift, physically helping aroma travel up to the nose, enhancing flavour, whilst also giving the palate a sharp cleanse. The beer bubbles cut through the richness of the pork fat coating the tongue, resetting the palate, making every pork scratching bite feel brand new.”

The team also looked at which drink pairs best with the salty snack and found that lager came out on top with 64% of the vote, followed by cider on 39% and ale or bitter on 37%.

Meanwhile, 22% showed themselves to be a little fancier, saying pork scratchings make the perfect pairing with wine.

Does anyone else really fancy a trip to the pub right now?