The mince pies and sherry trifles are out, and Christmas puddings are making their annual appearance, but how many drivers realise that, depending on how much is eaten, some of these festive favourites could contain enough alcohol to affect their driving?
New research of 1,000 UK drivers from the temporary car insurance experts, Tempcover, shows that while almost half (48%) of drivers feel very confident identifying festive drinks that contain enough alcohol to affect driving, nearly one in five (18%) aren’t confident identifying the alcohol content that would impair driving in holiday foods.
Drivers Flag Sherry Trifle as a Risk of Pushing Them Near the Limit, but Overlook Sauces and Sweets
When asked which festive foods, eaten in standard portions, are most likely to push drivers near the drink-drive limit, respondents flagged two classic desserts: sherry trifle was identified as the riskiest treat by 44% of drivers, followed by Christmas pudding at 38%.
The research also suggests motorists may be overlooking other high-risk festive additions. While festive foods like brandy butter (30%), festive fruitcake (24%) and boozy chocolate (36%) were acknowledged, far fewer drivers flagged sauces and less-obvious items. Only 19% recognised the risk of cranberry and port sauce, and just 13% cited mince pies.
13% of drivers didn’t think any of the festive foods were risky, suggesting many are still unaware of the alcohol content in seasonal foods and how it could impact their driving.
| Which festive foods, if eaten in a standard serving, do you think would be most likely to push a driver close to, or over, the drink-drive limit across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland? | Respondents (%) |
| Sherry trifle | 44% |
| Christmas pudding | 38% |
| Boozy chocolate | 36% |
| Brandy butter | 30% |
| Festive fruitcake | 24% |
| Red wine gravy | 24% |
| Cranberry and port sauce | 19% |
| Mince pie | 13% |
| None of the above | 13% |
While certain festive foods like sherry trifle and Christmas pudding are recognised as potentially risky, this awareness doesn’t translate into overall confidence. Only 37% of drivers feel very confident identifying alcohol levels in seasonal foods, with a large segment (45%) feeling ‘somewhat confident’ and 18% admitting they are unsure.
Drivers seem more certain when it comes to festive drinks like eggnog and mulled wine. 48% are very confident in identifying the drinks that could affect their ability to drive safely, with another 41% somewhat sure. Yet 11% still lack confidence, suggesting classic Christmas drinks can catch some people off guard. Nonetheless, alcohol-infused festive foods clearly remain the biggest area of doubt for drivers based on the research.
Over a Third of Drivers Admit to Underestimating Alcohol in Seasonal Treats
More than a third of UK motorists (38%) admit they’ve underestimated the alcohol content in festive foods – with 9% saying it often happens, while 29% say it occurs sometimes.
Only a quarter (25%) are confident they’ve never made this mistake, while nearly one in five (18%) aren’t sure. This suggests that many drivers may be taking more risks than they realise when it comes to what’s on their Christmas plate.
Almost Two-Thirds of Drivers Are Unsure of the Legal Drink-Drive Limit
With the festive season in full swing, many drivers may be indulging in a few extra treats and tipples. Yet, when asked about the legal alcohol limit for drivers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, only 35% of motorists knew the correct answer – which is 35mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath[1].
Almost one in five (18%) underestimated the legal drink-drive limit, while a worrying 21% overestimated it, risking drink-driving due to false confidence. A further 26% admitted they weren’t sure, highlighting how many people might be driving based on guesswork as festive indulgence reaches its peak.
| What do you think is the current legal alcohol limit for drivers across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland? | Respondents (%) |
| 25 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath | 18% |
| 35 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath (correct answer) | 35% |
| 45 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath | 13% |
| 55 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath | 6% |
| 65 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath | 2% |
| Unsure | 26% |
Claire Wills-McKissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, says:
“Our research shows that many drivers are unaware of the alcohol content in seasonal foods, and a large proportion remain unsure about the legal drink-driving limit. Exceeding the limit carries serious consequences, including a minimum one-year driving ban, up to six months in prison, and an unlimited fine[1]. If you’re in any doubt, don’t take the risk and avoid getting behind the wheel.
“Plan ahead by arranging a lift or taking out temporary car insurance so a sober, licensed driver can get you home safely.”
