Fish and chips is off the menu for youngsters with many looking elsewhere for their takeaway fix.
A trip to struggling traditional chippies remains the top choice among pensioners, a YouGov poll found.
But the iconic British staple is favoured by just one in 14 under-25s.
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Instead, Chinese food is the top takeaway for youngsters, followed by pizza.
Andrew Crook, of the National Federation of Fish Friers, runs his own chippie business.
He said: “We tend to lose a generation between about 15 and 25, but often see them returning when they have their own families.
(Image: Getty Images)
“We have 162 years of heritage and, while we do have major challenges currently, fish and chips as a dish will still hold a special place in the heart of the nation.”
The findings come amid warnings that half of Britain’s fish and chip shops could be forced to close due to soaring costs.
Prices of white fish and potatoes have been driven up, partly caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Some shops have reported cod prices rising by up to 50% as a result.
(Image: Getty Images)
More than 10,000 chippies operate in the UK with £1.2bn spent annually on the dish, says the federation.
Brits were told just weeks ago they faced the prospect of a shortage of fish and chips, alongside another of the nation’s favourites, with the invasion of Ukraine causing havoc for the UK’s £4.2billion curry industry.
Ukraine, which has been under siege since February, is a leading exporter of sunflower oil – in which many dishes are cooked – and wheat, which features heavily in Indian side dishes such as naan and roti.
Rocketing gas prices are also driving up cooking costs, and it is reported that two British restaurants a week are facing closure.
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