The coffee chain has reintroduced scones served with jam and cream as part of a new afternoon bundle – and has even created a special 50/50 scone to settle the great British jam vs cream debate
Costa Coffee has revived a classic British teatime favourite across more than 1,000 outlets following a break of over five years. The coffee giant has reintroduced scones accompanied by jam and cream as part of a fresh afternoon offering.
Its reported five-year hiatus puts the removal around 2020 or early 2021, when the chain was grappling with significant upheaval triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic. Their comeback has reignited the contentious debate over whether jam or cream should be applied first, as highlighted by creatorzine. com.
Costa has tried to negotiate a ceasefire by developing a unique scone crowned with a perfectly balanced swirl of both.
The jam and cream were dispensed simultaneously through a purpose-built dual piping bag, ensuring neither topping could officially claim priority. The inaugural “50/50” scone was presented to the mayors of Saltash and Kingsbridge at Costa’s Saltash outlet.
The venue was chosen because it lies close to the Devon and Cornwall boundary – the symbolic heart of the age-old cream tea feud. Cornish custom insists that jam should be applied before the cream, while the Devon approach positions cream beneath the jam.
Councillor Brian Stoyel, Mayor of Saltash, said: “We’re proud that Saltash has become the home of Britain’s latest chapter in the great scone debate. The beauty of Costa’s 50/50 scone is that it celebrates both traditions rather than choosing between them. After trying it for myself, I can confirm it’s every bit as delicious as it sounds – proof that sometimes bringing people together is even better than settling the argument.”
Costa’s study revealed 71% of Brits supported the Cornish jam-first method, while 29% preferred cream first. Over a third confessed to judging someone for preparing a scone the “wrong” way, and one in five had declined to eat one assembled in the opposite order.
Andrea Stewart, global head of food at Costa Coffee, said: “Our research shows Britain remains divided when it comes to how people top their scones, so we thought it was about time someone brought both sides together. Rather than choosing between two much-loved traditions, we wanted to create a playful compromise that celebrates both approaches.”
The survey also discovered 52% of younger individuals believed cream teas were gaining a new audience online. Meanwhile, 55% pronounce “scone” to rhyme with “gone”, compared with 45% who favour “bone”.
The returning scones are featured in Costa’s new Afternoon Bundle, which pairs one with jam and cream and a regular hot or iced drink. Prices begin from £6.49 at selected stores, with the offer available until Wednesday, 21 October.