The full English is at risk – as Gen Z and millennials are replacing bacon and sausages with healthy alternatives like avocado and spinach. A survey of 2,000 adults found that 53 per cent of millennials and 49 per cent of Gen Z are rejecting animal products. As a result, there has been a rise in ingredients such as avocados, salad leaves, and plant-based sausages compared to five years ago.
Spinach has witnessed the most dramatic jump in popularity, with Gen Zs eating 10 per cent more than they did in 2020. Meanwhile, the once-cherished bacon has experienced a 10 per cent drop among meat-loving Boomers. Whilst Brits still harbour affection for their fry-ups, 62 per cent are now making a conscious effort to ensure these are healthier.
A quarter have reduced their intake of animal products with a focus on their overall health, but 18 per cent admitted that concerns about animal welfare were driving the change and 15 per cent are motivated to reduce their environmental impact.
A spokesperson for Just Egg, the innovative plant-based egg brand which commissioned the research ahead of its UK launch, said: “It’s clear the traditional breakfast and brunch landscape is being reshaped with the trend towards more plant-based foods.
“With old classics such as bacon and eggs hitting a downtrend – and plant power on the rise. But it’s clear old favourites like the Full English aren’t going anywhere – they’re just adapting as our tastes and priorities also evolve.”
As many as 41 per cent of Brits are now at least occasionally swapping out ingredients such as eggs or bacon for plant-based alternatives, while 38 per cent dedicate at least half of their plates to plants.
An adventurous 14 per cent are changing their ways simply to try new plant-based foods. The most popular ingredients that have been swapped out are sausages and eggs, according to data from OnePoll.com.
Even if they haven’t tried it already, a third confirmed they would be open to trying plant-based egg alternatives in the future.
Factors such as doctor and nutritionist recommendations (19 per cent) and concerns about cholesterol (15 per cent) were given as the main reasons for considering this.
Just Egg’s spokesperson added: “The shift towards plant-based foods is happening for a variety of reasons, including health priorities such as lowering saturated fat and increasing fibre-intake.
“But people are also realising that they don’t have to sacrifice on taste – or cut out the Full English fry-up – to eat healthier.”
