New research has revealed that the tastes of people in Britain are changing as the insatiable demand for spicy foods continues.

A survey by retail analysts TNS found that in the last year sales of fiery vindaloo ready meal curries grew by 50 per cent and sales of vindaloo cooking sauces has grown by 33 per cent.

Furthermore, red Thai curry ready meals jumped by 27 per cent, bottles of hot pepper condiment sauces has risen by 19 per cent and sales of hot fresh chilli peppers has increased
by 16 per cent.

John Hale, who advises Tesco's food developers on creating new recipes, said: "Our taste buds are changing and getting more heat resistant because spicy food has now become part of the normal British diet.

"Indian and Chinese restaurants have been a feature of British high streets for over 50 years and Thai and Mexican food has also become very popular in the last decade.

"As a consequence more and more people are now vying for spicier tasting
foods and are peppering up dishes that they cook at home."

He said that supermarkets are preparing increasingly spicy foods to meet demand and many will be on the shelves in the coming months.