Three quarters of Gen Z are done with mince pies and sprouts and would prefer to give their Christmas dishes a modern twist
A survey of 2,000 people revealed that 78% of younger adults would prefer to have plant-based roasts and globally-inspired dishes on their Christmas dinner table.
When it comes to classic festive foods, 54% of Gen Z and Millennials believe they need a modern twist to stay relevant.
Over half of these groups consider traditional Christmas dishes like Christmas pudding as ‘outdated. With Brussels sprouts and bread sauce also losing popularity.
In response to this trend, Aldi, which commissioned the study, has introduced a Christmas Pudding Exchange Service for those fed up with their dried fruit sponge on Christmas Day.
Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi, said: “We’re aware that tastes are evolving, so whether you want turkey and all the trimmings, or loaded fries and pizza for Christmas, we have something for everyone.
“This Christmas, we’re launching a Christmas Pudding Exchange Service to help customers end their meal with a dessert they love.”
The main reason Christmas party-goers are looking to switch up their traditional dinner is to better cater to personal taste preferences, with 34% citing this as a factor.
A significant 27% would change things up to accommodate dietary restrictions, while an adventurous 26% are seeking a more exciting meal.
From now until 28th December, customers can return any Christmas pudding by dropping it off at their local store’s food bank and providing photographic evidence to christmaspuddings@aldi.co.uk to receive a £10 Christmas dessert voucher.
Interestingly, two-thirds of Gen Z, or 67%, believe it’s crucial that their Christmas dinner is worthy of Instagram.
Gen Z’s top picks for cuisines that could influence their Christmas meal include American favourites like loaded fries (29%), African-inspired dishes (26%), and Chinese food (20%).
When it comes to dessert, the younger generation would love to see cheesecake (33%), chocolate gateau (29%), and ice cream (25%) on the menu.
However, Aldi’s data shows that single portions of Christmas puddings are gaining popularity, with the supermarket predicting sales of over 2.3 million this year.
Despite these changing tastes, two-thirds of Gen Z still expect their parents to serve a traditional Christmas pudding this year.
Top 10 Christmas foods that Gen Z are turning their backs on:
1. Mince pies.
2. Christmas pudding.
3. Christmas cake.
4. Cranberry sauce.
5. Brussels sprouts.
6. Bread sauce.
7. Chestnuts.
8. Brandy butter.
9. Turkey.
10. Trifle.
