A new study reveals changing holiday food preferences among younger generations.
- 78% of Gen Z and Millennials opt for plant-based and globally inspired dishes.
- Traditional Christmas foods like pudding and mince pies are losing popularity.
- Loaded fries, fried chicken, and pizza emerge as holiday meal favorites.
- Aldi introduces a dessert exchange to adapt to evolving tastes.
In a recent survey conducted by a major grocery chain among 2,000 Christmas-celebrating adults, a substantial shift in holiday meal preferences has been observed. 78% of individuals born in 1996 or later express a preference for plant-based and globally inspired dishes over traditional Christmas foods. This trend highlights an evolving culinary landscape centered around more modern and diverse cuisines.
The study further reveals that 54% of Millennials and Gen Z believe it’s time to add a modern twist to conventional festive dishes to keep them relevant. Foods traditionally associated with the holiday season, such as Christmas pudding, mince pies, and Christmas cake, are deemed outdated by 56% of respondents, while classics like Brussels sprouts are labeled as passé.
Emphasizing a shift from the customary, younger generations are leaning towards unconventional choices for their Christmas dinners. Popular items now include loaded fries, crispy fried chicken, and pizza. For dessert, more than 33% prefer cheesecake, closely followed by chocolate gateau and ice cream, signifying a departure from well-worn holiday staples.
In response to these changing tastes, a well-known supermarket has launched a unique initiative—a ‘Christmas Pudding Exchange Service.’ This program allows customers to swap any unwanted Christmas puddings for desserts of their choice, offering a £10 voucher in return. This move acknowledges the grocery market’s need to adapt and provides a solution to meet diverse customer preferences.
Despite these trends, a majority—61%—still anticipate that their parents will uphold traditional customs and serve customary dishes such as Christmas pudding. This demonstrates a generational divide between young people’s preferences and established family traditions.
The evolving tastes of Gen Z and Millennials highlight a significant shift towards modern, diverse holiday meals, challenging the convention of traditional Christmas dining.
