Black pudding is under threat as youngster are looking to experiment with breakfast and that means left over curry gets a place in the sun
The classic English fry-up appears to be changing – as Gen Zers are booting traditional black pudding off their plates in favour of trendy kimchi and leftover curry. Just 13% of foodies aged under 29 include the sausage when scoffing an English breakfast compared to a traditional third of boomers (34%).
Gen Z-ers are leading the charge with experimentation, with many adding kimchi (11%), pesto (9%) and even leftover curry (8%) to their plates. An EDF survey quizzed the nation about their fry-up habits and found that the dish still reigns as a staple in people’s homes – but that it’s becoming more diverse and experimental than ever.
The research revealed a whopping 40% agree that rustling up a Full English is a Sunday morning tradition in their home. Built for slowing down, 60% of those questioned agreed they spend longer eating breakfast on a Sunday than a typical weekday.
Three in five (61%) admit they’re more indulgent with what they eat on a Sunday, with certain dishes like the fry-up (52%), pancakes (32%) and pastries (26%) feeling more ‘allowed’.
For more than a third of indulgent Brits (36%), Sunday roasts and fry-ups were even scoffed on the same day. The survey of 2,000 adults revealed that the classic fry-up is changing, with 44% saying the ingredients they use have evolved.
While eggs (74%), bacon (67%) and sausages (64%) still form the backbone of a classic fry-up, 19% admit to adding unexpected extras. Chips (27%) top the chosen added extras, closely followed by cheese (15% cheddar and 8% halloumi), avocado (17%) and smoked salmon (13%).
Regional differences also come to light as more than a third (36%) of Londoners have added avocado to their fry-up, compared to one in ten of those living in Yorkshire (9%), Scotland (10%) or Northern Ireland (10%).
Some are even adding Yorkshire puddings (7%) as they can’t wait until the traditional Sunday roast is served. Baked beans are one of the biggest breakfast battlegrounds, with more than a third (35%) loving it when the sauce trickles across other foods on their plate.
On the flip-side, this is the worst nightmare for one in five (18%) who insist that beans must go in a separate bowl. Eggs are just as divisive. Scrambled eggs may be a popular fry-up choice, enjoyed by one in four (24%) Brits, but the fried egg still reigns supreme for the majority (55%).
While 71% of those who opt for a fried egg preferring a runny yolk, others insist on a flip or fully cooked (27%). The controversy doesn’t stop when it comes to sauces and condiments.
Ketchup (42%) and brown sauce (30%) remain the favourites, however a surprising number of Brits admit to spicing things up with chilli sauce (11%) or curry sauce (9%).
A dollop of salad cream also makes an appearance for one in ten Brits (9%), rising to 20% for those who live in London. Preparing a Sunday fry-up is no small task, with the dish involving at least three appliances running at once for 50% of respondents.
The toaster (47%), hob (44%) and the airfryer (35%) were the most used appliances, closely followed by the grill (34%), which took preference over the oven (30%) and the microwave (25%).
The Sunday fry-up remains a shared ritual in many households, with 37% preparing their fry-up for family or a partner. With kettles boiling, toasters popping and pans bubbling, EDF say their ‘Sunday Saver’ is perfect to power this weekend ritual.
Customers can earn up to 16 hours of free electricity on Sundays by shifting their usage away from weekday peak hours (4pm-7pm).
Philippe Commaret, Managing Director of Customers at EDF, said: “Sunday mornings are made for slowing down and enjoying the rituals we love, and for a lot of households that starts with a proper fry-up.
“Our research shows that while the classics still matter, people are increasingly putting their own spin on the Full English – often using several appliances at once.
“With free electricity on Sundays, it’s a chance to fill your plate and enjoy those moments without worrying about the cost of the electricity you’re using.
“By reducing peak usage by just 5%, customers can get four hours of free electricity on Sundays showing that small changes can really make a difference.
“Whether it’s a fried Camembert or a full Sunday fry-up, everything tastes even better when it’s cooked for free – making it ‘eggs-tra’ special.”
TV presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty said: “I’m working with EDF on their Sunday Saver as Sunday has officially been crowned the nation’s favourite day for a fry-up, and I completely get why.
“I’ve been making fry-ups for as long as I can remember and I love seeing how creative people are with them now. For me, a proper Sunday fry-up is the perfect fuel before a full-on day at the farm.”
Sunday Saver customers have already earned more than 21.7 million kWh of free electricity (18.6 million hours), with more than £5.7 million being credited onto Brits’ bills.
For more information, and to register interest in March’s Sunday Saver to earn free electricity, visit the website by Sunday March 1st: https://www.edfenergy.com/energy-efficiency/sunday-saver-challenge
Top 10 additions
1. Chips (27%)
2. Avocado (17%)
3. Cheddar (15%)
4. Smoked salmon (13%)
5. Haloumi (8%)
6. Haggis (8%)
7. Yorkshire pudding (7%)
8. Chorizo (7%)
9. Pesto (5%)
10. Kimchi (5%)