Traditional British fry-up in danger of dying out with 18 to 34-year-olds thinking it’s too fatty or greasy to tuck into
THE TRADITIONAL British fry-up is in danger of dying out as it is branded too fatty or greasy.
A poll of 1,000 adults aged 18 to 34 found one in 10 never enjoy the dish, while 14 per cent tuck into it just once or twice a year.
And a further 20 per cent only consume the cooked breakfast, which traditionally consists of bacon, egg, sausage, beans, and toast, every couple of months.
Almost four in ten (37 per cent) think it’s too fatty or greasy to tuck into more often, while the same percentage worry about the calorie count and 31 per cent think it takes too long to prepare.
But 70 per cent admitted they would be more inclined to eat the morning feast if these ‘icks’ could be overcome.
In a bid to revive the classic meal, Breville, which commissioned the research, has launched the Greaseless Spoon Café – where ‘lower calorie’ fry-ups are cooked only using air fryers.
Spokesperson Lydia Baker said: “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.
“But it’s perfectly possible to create a traditional fry up that’s a little more guilt-free and less hassle.”
Other reasons younger people rarely eat fried breakfasts include needing too many pots and pans to prepare it, with most fry-ups requiring three.
Timing of getting all the ingredients ready at the same time is another frustration.
But 38 per cent consider the fry-up to be “out-dated” and 29 per cent think its popularity is at an all-time low.
And 89 per cent have experienced ‘food guilt’ after wolfing down the breakfast.
The study, carried out through OnePoll, also found seven in 10 of those polled own an air fryer.
Of those, 57 per cent have used the appliance to make a less greasy and less time-consuming version of the traditional fried breakfast.
Zoe McClean, senior home economist at Breville, makers of the Halo Flexi Air Fryer, said: “A fried breakfast is quite an involved process with lots of moving parts, which means there are lots of opportunities for improvement.
“The way you prepare something is almost as important as what you’re making.”
Mary Ferdinand, 56, from London, who was among those to dine at the Greaseless Spoon Café, said: “I was surprised at how quickly it was served after we ordered, and how little grease it had – especially the sausages.”
While Emmanuel Ojo, 26, a ski festival promoter from Camden, London, added: “I love a Full English and I’ve got an air fryer, but I’ve never tried cooking one in it – but I will definitely be trying it now.”
