The surprising foods that have become unfashionable with younger adults

New research carried out by St. Ewe Free Range Eggs has found those aged 18 to 27 are preferring more modern ways of cooking a breakfast staple than dishes such as fry-ups

Formerly popular breakfasts such as fry-ups, eggs and soldiers and fried egg sandwiches are falling out of favour.

New research has shown that Gen Z prefer more modern ways of cooking the breakfast staple, with poached eggs coming out on top. Almost two thirds, 61%, of people in this age group said this was their preferred way of making eggs.

Other ways those aged 18 to 27 enjoy cooking eggs are adding a smashed avocado to their poached eggs, making a breakfast burrito or 'folding' them. Cuisines from other countries were also popular, including Turkish shakshuka, roti with Spanish chorizo and egg and poached eggs served with the Middle-Eastern cheese labneh.

But the poll by St. Ewe Free Range Eggs found that Gen Z were turning their back on more traditional methods. Scrambled eggs, ham and cheese omelettes and Eggs Benedict were among the meals that were seen as being old-fashioned with younger adults.

Regardless of how they were cooked, the average Briton eats five eggs a week with Gen Z consuming the most, having six. More than a third, 38%, of adults in all age groups said there are many more ways to cook eggs these days, while 28% are looking for healthier ways to eat them.

A quarter feel the rise of “brunch” has made eggs more fashionable, while 22% say social media sites such as Instagram and TikTok have encouraged them to try new ways to cook the food.

Bex Tonks, CEO of St. Ewe said: “Eggs are so much more than a breakfast staple; they’ve become a canvas for culinary creativity. "As the stats show, Gen Z is really celebrating the humble egg, inspiring us all to explore delicious new ways to enjoy their highly nutritional benefits."

Breakfast eggs popular with Gen Z

1. Poached eggs

2. Smashed avocado with poached egg

3. Breakfast burrito

4. Folded eggs

5. Egg white frittata with spinach

6. Shakshuka

7. Roti with chorizo and egg

8. Poached eggs with labneh

9. Cloud eggs

10. Keto breakfast muffins

Breakfast eggs falling out of favour with Gen Z

1. Full fry up

2. Dippy eggs & white bread soldiers

3. Fried egg sandwich

4. Fried eggs cooked in sunflower oil

5. Scrambled eggs

6. Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon

7. Ham and cheese omelette

8. Eggs Benedict

9. Eggs Royale

10. Eggs Florentine