The proof of the pudding is in its eating, women know better it seems, for a study has found that many females are too self-conscious to order a dessert in restaurants.

According to the study, women can spend up to 20 minutes deliberating over whether to have pudding, because they don't want to be branded "unhealthy".

By contrast, men don't think twice about wading into a calorie-packed pud. And that helps women, with 60 per cent of those who do have a dessert preferring to share it, says the study, based on a survey of 3,000 Britons.

Meanwhile, six out of 10 of those questioned said they felt it was difficult to get traditional desserts, with many fearing that they were dying out.

Chris Brewer of Crown Carveries, which carried out the study, was quoted by the 'Daily Express' as saying, "It was really interesting to see so many traditional puddings appearing high on the list of men's favourites.

"Perhaps our taste buds have come full circle as we search for a bit of nostalgia on pudding plates."