You may be surprised at what came first
08:03, 31 Dec 2025Updated 09:05, 31 Dec 2025
The Full English may not be the best option
Brits bracing for a New Year’s Eve hangover might want to rethink their recovery strategy, as new findings suggest that the classic Full English breakfast may not be the best cure. Despite its reputation as a go-to meal for soaking up the booze, research shows it is actually at the bottom of the pile when it comes to aiding recovery.
The Hangover Nutrition Index (HNI), an annual report by Lifesum, has analysed the nutritional value of popular hangover foods in 10 countries. The results were sobering for fans of the Full English, which came in last place, while the American version did not fare much better, landing in ninth spot.
So what should you be reaching for to ease your hangover? It turns out gut-friendly soups are the top choice.
Lead dietitian Rebeka Bereczy advises: “Hangover meals are often indulgent but small tweaks can make a big difference. For faster recovery after a night out, focus on hydration and electrolytes – salty broths or electrolyte-rich soups restore your body far more effectively than a greasy fry-up.”
Lead dietitian Rebeka Bereczky Veress delivered her verdict on the best hangover breakfast
The HNI study used an AI-powered tool known as a Multimodal Tracker to assess the protein quality, carbohydrate sources, fat types, fibre, vitamins and minerals in each meal. According to NeedToKnow, the research found that dishes packed with fluids, fermented foods, lean protein and vegetables are the quickest route to recovery.
Meanwhile, heavy, greasy or sugary dishes worsen dehydration and energy crashes. Japan’s miso soup took the top spot for being high in electrolytes and low in fat.
It was followed by a vegetable soup with rice and kimchi from Korea, which offers vitamins, minerals and fermented foods, and a fish and vegetable soup from Sweden that balances lean protein, fibre and hydration.
Bereczy explains that high-fat, low-fibre late-night meals correlate with next-day fatigue, dehydration and digestive discomfort. Meals rich in fluids, electrolytes and fermentables support faster recovery and gut regulation. Balanced macronutrients and portion control also reduce “hangxiety” and energy crashes.
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10 HANGOVER FOODS RANKED BY NUTRITIONAL VALUE.
Japan Hangover meal: Miso soup with rice, pickles.
Calories (avg): 220 Nutritional index: High electrolytes, fermented foods, fibre, low fat.
Korea Hangover meal: Vegetable soup with rice, kimchi.
Calories (avg): 300 Nutritional index: Minerals, vitamins, gut-friendly probiotics.
Sweden Hangover meal: Light vegetable and fish soup.
Calories (avg): 350 Nutritional index: Lean protein, hydration, balanced macros.
Czech Republic Hangover meal: Congee-style rice porridge.
Calories (avg): 280 Nutritional index: Hydrating, high micronutrients, gentle on digestion.
Norway Hangover meal: Fish soup with root vegetables.
Calories (avg): 400 Nutritional index: Lean protein, steady energy, minerals.
Finland Hangover meal: Light broth with whole grains.
Calories (avg): 300 Nutritional index: Fibre, vitamins, electrolyte-rich.
Italy Hangover meal: Vegetable soup with lean meats.
Calories (avg): 400 Nutritional index: Vitamins, antioxidants, low saturated fat.
Portugal Hangover meal: Seafood stew with vegetables.
Calories (avg): 450 Nutritional index: Lean protein, minerals, hydration support.
United States Hangover meal: Greasy fry-up.
Calories (avg): 1,100 Nutritional index: High fat, low fibre, increases fatigue.
United Kingdom Hangover meal: Full English breakfast Calories (avg): 1,000 Nutritional index: High saturated fat, low fibre, low micronutrients.
The UK’s beloved Full English came in last