Authentic croissants should be straight rather than curved, a top pastry chef has said.

David Atherton, a former Great British Bake Off champion, claimed that according to French culture the pastries should not be rounded at the ends.

A survey revealed over half of the British public (59 per cent) believe food tastes better in its traditional form.

Mr Atherton, who has teamed up with bagel company the New York Bakery Co, also said when it comes to a Cornish pasty, diners should look out for distinctive crimping down the sides – which served as a handle for miner’s hands.

An authentic pasty is filled with mince, potato, swede, and onion. The beef should make up 12.5 per cent of the filling with vegetables making up a quarter.

OnePoll stats have revealed some 46 per cent of Brits believe authenticity is synonymous with good quality and the food options are the best thing about going on holiday.

And, Brits eat food from three different cultures each week on average.

Atherton said that true Italian pasta should only ever contain durum wheat, water and salt – occasionally an egg.

And, a New York bagel – one of the foods that New Yorkers hold in high regard – should always be boiled before being baked to create a distinctive soft texture while retaining a “good chew and a golden crust”.

Meanwhile, the ingredients on an authentic ketchup label should always list vinegar.

The stats further revealed more than a third (35 per cent) of Brits have researched the origins of food to make sure what they are eating is correct.

And, when on holiday more than a quarter (27 per cent) like to ask locals about their cuisine to brush up on their facts.

Alastair Unite, from New York Bakery Co, said: “As a brand synonymous with the best bagel shops and delis in New York, we’re on a mission to champion authenticity.

“That’s why we’ve teamed up with David Atherton as the nation’s chief authenticity expert.

“Our bagel know-how, combined with his baking expertise, means together we can show people what to look for when buying bagels as well as other favourite foods such as pizza, pasties and pies.

“Bagels are an absolute breakfast favourite, but not all bagels are created equal.

“Among the factors to consider are history and heritage – bagels are synonymous with New York.

“Then there are iconic flavours and the baking method (think boiled and baked) to provide top-tier texture – as David said, that golden crust, generous taste and chew.

“Our message is clear: if it isn’t a New York bagel, it isn’t a bagel. There is no substitute.”

Some 46 per cent of Brits would like to travel to Italy to try an authentic pizza and 31 per cent want to visit New York to try a famous bagel.

Mr Unite added: “This campaign proves how Brits want to eat authentic quality food. We’ve developed this handy guide to help remind shoppers what to look out for.”