A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that those aged 18-28 have the highest tolerance for spicy dishes, with 43% describing their own spice endurance as 'high' or 'very high'. This contrasts with 37% of Millennials, 31% of Gen X, and a mere 24% of Baby Boomers.

More than one in 10 of Gen Z will go for the hottest option on the menu. But even if they couldn't handle it, almost half would at least pretend they could, just to avoid looking 'weak' in front of their friends. In comparison, 65% of Baby Boomers feel no shame about their inability to handle spicy food.

A spokesperson for bakery brand St Pierre, which conducted the research to launch its new Spicy Chilli Brioche Buns, commented: "It's interesting to see how enjoyment and endurance of fiery foods changes between generations. Whilst it may be that the younger generations are more adventurous – they may also just be more committed to saving face!

"Spicy food seems to be a matter of pride for the young, and we can see why – but it's also great to see the commonalities across generations around not wanting to offend a chef or waste good food – at St Pierre we encourage everyone to 'eat avec respect', after all."

Seven in ten of Boomers claimed to have never hidden that they've found something too spicy. But the majority of Gen Z admitted to doing this at some point, saying they didn't want to waste food or offend the person who made it.

A third of Gen Z admitted they feel embarrassed if they can't handle something spicy, with one in five 'always' finishing a dish even if they were visibly sweating.

It's no wonder then that 53% of Gen Z are happy to show off their 'superior' spice tolerance to others, with 15% claiming to eat something hot at least once every single day.

Millennials too are not shy when it comes to heat, as the research found 18% of Millennials will put hot sauce on just about anything – with 45% claiming spice enhances the flavour of a dish. Millennials were also the most open to trying new food, with 76% keen to test out spicy flavours specifically.

And it's not just food that can get heated – 47% of Millennials and 57% of Gen Z have ended up disagreeing with someone about what to eat because of differences in spice tolerance.

St Pierre's spokesperson added: "At the end of the day, good food is something that brings us all together – no matter your age.