Flipping heck! Why Pancake Day is falling flat with Generation Z
It’s a tradition that goes back centuries, marking a key point in the Christian calendar, and providing joy for generations of children – and adults.
But now it seems Pancake Day is the latest custom to be under threat, with most young Britons admitting they’re too scared, or too lazy, to make and flip a pancake themselves.
As many of us prepare to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, a study has revealed three in five young Britons have never flipped a pancake.
And a fifth admit they have no idea how to make one from scratch.
Nearly half of Gen Z say they are not even sure why pancakes are traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday.
It’s not just the younger generations, either – many people of all ages admit they don’t feel confident making them.
More than a third of Britons admit they have burnt a pancake while cooking it, while nearly a quarter say they have dropped one onto the hob or floor when attempting a flip. As a result, many are opting out altogether.
A shocking eight in ten Britons say they will not toss a pancake on Shrove Tuesday this year, according to the poll of 2,000 Britons commissioned by Lyle’s Golden Syrup – and just three in ten plan to make them from scratch on the day.
As many of us prepare to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, a study has revealed three in five young Britons have never flipped a pancake (file photo)
Pancake Day has been celebrated in Britain for hundreds of years, marking Shrove Tuesday, when people were absolved – or ‘shriven’ – of their sins on the last day before the start of Lent.
As many gave up what were seen as indulgent foodstuffs for the following 40 days leading up to Easter, pancakes were a perfect way to use up eggs, butter and fats from the store cupboard.
The first recipe to be written down in English appears in a cook book published in 1439 and a host of traditions have grown up around the festival, with pancake-tossing races being held in many towns to this day.
In France, which shares the custom of using up rich foodstuffs before Lent, Tuesday is known as Mardi Gras or ‘Fat Tuesday’.
While Gen Z – those born between 1997 and 2012 – are seemingly less likely to wield a frying pan themselves, many say they will mark the occasion by exploring playful new food trends.
Three in ten plan to treat themselves to pancake-inspired treats from cafés, restaurants and coffee shops, such as pancake-syrup flavoured coffee or pancake-inspired sweets, ice cream and milkshakes.
One in five say they will try out trending TikTok and Instagram recipes such as fluffy Japanese pancakes and mini pancake cereal.
