New research reveals that 43% of ‘designated’ drivers do not believe that the alcohol contained in popular Christmas puddings counts towards their drink-drive limit and almost three quarters (72%) do not ask their host about the alcohol content.

The study, by esure car insurance, found that an average serving of Christmas pudding contains almost half a unit of alcohol, while many popular seasonal favourites contain up to 0.88 per serving.

The drink-drive limit is set at 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. The government advises that people should not exceed the daily unit guidelines of 3-4 units for men and three units for women. This means that a female driver who drinks a standard glass of wine (2.45 units) with one serving of Christmas pudding (0.3 units) and rum custard (0.6 units) will be over the limit.

For male drivers, a pint-and-a-half of medium strength lager at four % (3.45 units) combined with a single serving of Christmas pudding (0.3 units) with rum butter (0.4 units) will tip them over the limit.

Most Potent Christmas Puddings:

Chardonnay jelly - 1.32 units per serving
Fruit compote steeped in port – 0.88 units per serving
Cranberry and vodka semifreddo – 0.8 units per serving
Pears in red wine – 0.8 units per serving
Christmas pudding – 0.4 units per serving
Sherry trifle – 0.3 units per serving
Tiramisu – 0.3 units per serving
Christmas Cake – 0.24 units per serving