According to studies, Gen-Z is increasingly finding the morning staple too greasy or time-consuming to prepare, which might spell trouble for the great British fry-up.
Nearly 15% of respondents to a recent survey of people between the ages of 18 and 34 said they only eat cooked breakfast once or twice a year, and 10% said they never do.
Home appliance maker Breville, which commissioned the research, suggested youngsters were being turned off the cult classic by health influencers on social media.
The study found that almost four in ten worry that the meal is too fatty or greasy to tuck into any more than they usually do, while a similar number are concerned about the number of calories on the plate.
Almost a third of the 1,000 young Britons questioned said that making a fry-up takes too long, so for many, the sheer number of components may be off-putting.
Some people expressed dissatisfaction over the difficulty of balancing so many elements at once, while others mentioned that cleanup seemed to be an issue as well.
The ingredients of a fry-up differ throughout the United Kingdom. National variations are common, even if staples like eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, and mushrooms are included in the meal.
Cockles and laverbread are frequently added in Wales, while occasionally soda bread and potato bread make their way onto the plate in Northern Ireland.
Nonetheless, the survey offered some optimism for the fry-up, since 70% of young Britons stated that if these issues could be resolved, they would be more likely to consume the large breakfast item.
‘It’s perfectly possible to create a traditional fry-up that’s a little more guilt-free and less hassle,’ said Lydia Baker of Breville, which commissioned the research.
‘There’s still time to save the iconic dish. It’s a beloved institution for a reason.
‘Social media has spread an endless number of accounts giving advice on what’s ‘good’ and ‘bad’ to eat, with the humble fry-up often falling into the latter camp.’
Among young Britons, a staggering 89 per cent said that they had experienced ‘food guilt’ after wolfing down the breakfast, while almost one in four also said that they thought it was ‘outdated’.
However, several recent establishments are launching as proud greasy spoons in an attempt to update the classic English breakfast. Modern twists on classic dishes like fry-ups are available in London at Norman’s Cafe in Archway.
The great British breakfast is one of Britain’s greatest pleasures, and Gen-Z doesn’t know what they’re missing.
The classic fry-up was the working man’s cooked breakfast so that he could set himself up for a day’s graft. However, Gen-Z doesn’t have that mentality, so they no longer see the need to consume this British tradition—pass the brown sauce, please!
I do love a fry-up, but I would rather eat in a cafe because, to be honest, at my age, it’s just too much effort for me. When I was younger, I enjoyed making a fry up for the family, but all that washing up now, yeah, I’ll skip that, and I’m not even Gen-Z. You can also make a healthier version of the fry-up by grilling, poaching, and removing the fat from the bacon, but it just doesn’t taste the same, and the full monty isn’t compulsory.
Although a fry-up may not be the healthiest option, Gen-Z may want to reconsider spending their money on sugar-filled bubble tea, crepes, and waffles for ten pounds a pop if they think they will stay healthy by shunning the great British staple.
THE MONTHLY MOSQUITO 