Traditional British teatime delicacies, once considered quintessential, may be losing favor among younger generations.
Shifting Tastes: Are Classic British Teatime Treats Becoming Extinct?
Beloved sweet treats such as Victoria sponge, iced buns, custard slices, and even the iconic scone could be facing a decline in popularity. A recent study by British Lion Eggs, polling 2,000 adults in Britain, explored the evolving preferences surrounding teatime snacking habits.
Outdated and Unhealthy? Classic Treats Under Scrutiny
The survey revealed that several classic baked goods are now perceived as “outdated and unhealthy.” These include staples like chocolate cake, Victoria sponge, iced buns, cream buns, custard slices, and sugary tea.
The Rise of Health-Conscious Snacking
Contemporary adults are increasingly opting for healthier alternatives during teatime. Choices like Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, and carrots with hummus are gaining traction. This dietary shift may be influenced by health and wellness advocates prominent on social media platforms like TikTok.
A representative from British Lion Eggs commented, “Our research indicates a clear trend: health-focused Britons are seeking to revamp their snacking habits. There’s a desire to boost daily protein intake for sustained satiety, weight management, and overall strength.”
Even the classic Victoria sponge is now viewed as unhealthy and outdated by health-conscious young Britons, according to a recent survey.
Notably, 31 percent of respondents expressed aversion to chocolate cake, making it the least favored among traditional teatime options.
Generational Divide: Gen Z and Millennials Rethink Teatime
British Lion Eggs’ survey specifically targeted 2,000 British adults aged 18 to 40, encompassing Gen Z and Millennial demographics. Participants were questioned about their likelihood of consuming specific sweet items at teatime or elevenses, considering health implications.
Remarkably, nearly a third (31 percent) indicated they would avoid chocolate cake due to health concerns, positioning it as the least desirable classic treat. Furthermore, 30 percent expressed reluctance towards Victoria sponge and iced buns, while 29 percent would decline cream buns.
The iced bun, a bakery staple in Britain, typically features a finger-shaped or circular bread roll adorned with white or pink icing. Cream buns, often found in upscale tearooms, consist of soft milk bread filled with piped vanilla whipped cream.
Custard slices were rejected by 27 percent of participants. These consist of layers of puff pastry encasing a wobbly custard filling. Additionally, 25 percent would forgo tea with milk and sugar, suggesting the traditional “cuppa” with “milk and two sugars” may diminish in popularity within a generation.
The iced bun, a British bakery classic, is a sweetened bread roll topped with either white or pink icing.
Cream buns, often associated with refined teatime settings, are made with soft milk bread and a vanilla whipped cream center.
Rounding out the list of less favored items were scones with cream and jam (23 percent), chocolate biscuits (16 percent), toasted teacakes (15 percent), and flapjacks (13 percent).
Healthy Snack Alternatives Gaining Popularity
Conversely, the survey highlighted the increasing appeal of healthier snack options for teatime. Greek yogurt emerged as a preferred choice for 35 percent of respondents. Hard-boiled eggs were favored by 32 percent, followed by protein bars (26 percent), avocados (24 percent), and protein shakes (21 percent).
Salmon was selected by 20 percent, while 19 percent would opt for nuts and 16 percent for carrots with hummus. Finally, 14 percent preferred hard-boiled eggs with spinach, and 12 percent leaned towards ham or chicken slices.
Protein Prioritization: Reasons Behind the Shift
Britons are choosing protein-rich snacks primarily because they promote longer-lasting fullness (55 percent), support muscle development and recovery (30 percent), and aid in weight management (23 percent).
It may come as no surprise that 49 percent of surveyed 18- to 30-year-olds identified as health-conscious. Moreover, 48 percent reported actively avoiding cakes and biscuits in workplace settings.
25 percent indicated they would never consume tea with milk and sugar, suggesting a potential decline for the traditional “milk and two sugars” cuppa within a generation.
The survey also indicated Greek yogurt as a popular teatime snack (35 percent preference), while hard-boiled eggs were selected by 32 percent of participants.
Social Media Influence on Snacking Trends
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are saturated with quick and healthy recipe ideas, potentially contributing to their growing popularity. Of all survey participants, 27 percent admitted to regularly sharing images of their healthy snacks on Instagram and TikTok, utilizing hashtags like #healthy (33 percent), #healthysnacking (19 percent), and #protein (16 percent).
This aligns with previous research from kitchen appliance manufacturer Ninja, released last month, which suggested dishes such as pan haggerty, Glamorgan sausage, and shepherd’s pie could become “extinct” dinner choices. Ninja’s findings also indicated that British puddings like Chelsea buns, rock cakes, gypsy tart, scones, and rhubarb crumble are at risk, corroborating certain aspects of the British Lion Eggs survey results.