Onions may be the key to happiness

London: They may reduce millions of housewives to tears, but a survey has found that onions are a key ingredient to happiness.

The survey claims the humble onion is the foodstuff which brings most pleasure per penny, followed by carrots, baked beans, bananas and potatoes.

Shoppers were quizzed on 100 everyday staples to find out how happy they made them, relative to price.

More than 1,500 people rated products based on nine categories - Moreish, yummy, healthy, fashionable, comforting, looks, taste, smell and expense.

Onions beat off favourites such as milk chocolate, crisps, cakes and beer to take the top spot in Sainsbury's new Live Well For Less index.

Mackerel, lamb, salmon, beef, wine and butter were among items at the bottom of the list.

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, who launched the index, was quoted by the 'Daily Express' as saying, "This dispels the myth that chocolate is the answer to happiness."