Gen Z and Millennials Transform Traditional Breakfast Choices

Recent survey findings indicate that the traditional Full English breakfast is facing significant changes as younger generations shift their dietary preferences. According to a poll of 2,000 adults, a notable portion of both Millennials and Gen Z have chosen to replace staples like bacon and sausages with healthier options such as avocados and spinach. Specifically, 53 percent of Millennials and 49 percent of Gen Z participants reported reducing their consumption of animal products.

The survey highlights a marked increase in the incorporation of plant-based ingredients into breakfast choices. Ingredients like avocados and salad leaves are being consumed more frequently compared to five years ago, with spinach seeing a particularly impressive rise, as Gen Z members reported consuming 10 percent more spinach than in 2020. In contrast, bacon consumption among Baby Boomers has declined by 10 percent, illustrating a broader trend affecting traditional breakfast foods.

Shifting Preferences Towards Plant-Based Foods

A spokesperson for Just Egg, a plant-based egg brand that commissioned the research ahead of its launch in the UK, noted the evolving landscape of breakfast choices. “It’s clear the traditional breakfast and brunch landscape is being reshaped with the trend towards more plant-based foods,” the spokesperson stated. “With old classics such as bacon and eggs hitting a downtrend, plant power is on the rise.”

Despite the shifting preferences, the survey found that 62 percent of participants are actively trying to make their breakfasts healthier. Furthermore, 35 percent of the population acknowledges that they now include more plant-based ingredients in their cooked breakfasts compared to five years ago. A significant 41 percent occasionally substitute animal products such as eggs and bacon with plant-based alternatives, and 38 percent report dedicating at least half of their plates to plant-based foods.

The motivations behind this transition vary. Approximately 25 percent of respondents have reduced their intake of animal products for health reasons, while 18 percent cite animal welfare concerns. Additionally, 15 percent are driven by a desire to lessen their environmental impact, and an adventurous 14 percent are simply eager to explore new plant-based options.

Emerging Trends in Breakfast Consumption

According to data from OnePoll.com, the most commonly replaced breakfast items are sausages, with 16 percent of respondents opting for alternatives, and eggs, with 10 percent making similar choices. Notably, a third of individuals expressed openness to trying plant-based egg alternatives in the future, driven by recommendations from healthcare professionals and rising concerns about cholesterol levels.

The spokesperson from Just Egg emphasized the multifaceted reasons behind the shift towards plant-based foods, noting the significance of health priorities, such as lowering saturated fat and increasing fiber intake. “People are realizing that they don’t have to sacrifice on taste—or cut out the Full English fry-up—to eat healthier,” the spokesperson added.

As the breakfast landscape continues to evolve, it remains clear that while traditional favorites may be adapting, they are not disappearing. Instead, the Full English breakfast is becoming more inclusive of healthier, plant-based ingredients, reflecting changing tastes and health priorities among consumers.