In the UK, the beloved Christmas dinner is one of the most prominent events of the festive season, as we look forward to a feast surrounded by loved ones. One item, although a tradition since the 1500s, is proving to be less popular this year.
In the UK, turkey has become the traditional centrepiece of Christmas dinner due to a combination of historical, cultural, and practical reasons, as well as its affordability and ability to feed many. However, a new study from Global Knives revealed that 1 in 4 British households are opting for new Turkey alternatives this festive season, meaning Turkey could be off the menu.
A quarter of households across the UK are turning away from turkey
The study by Global Knives found that 1 in 4 households will be choosing an alternative to turkey this Christmas – millennials are most likely to make the switch, with 26% of those aged between 26-35 years old opting for an alternative this year.
From a city-specific perspective, 50% of Portsmouth locals will be steering clear of turkey this Christmas, as well as 38% of York residents and 1 in 3 (33%) Cambridge locals.
Roast potatoes are officially the most popular Christmas dinner item this festive season
The study by Global Knives asked participants to choose their top five favourite Christmas dinner trimmings to establish a rank of the most to least popular – the results are in…
|
Rank |
Christmas dinner trimming |
% of Brits who placed the trimming in their top 5 |
|
1 |
Roast potatoes |
54% |
|
2 |
Pigs in blankets |
37% |
|
3 |
Turkey |
32% |
|
=4 |
Stuffing |
30% |
|
=4 |
Gravy |
30% |
|
5 |
Yorkshire puddings |
28% |
|
6 |
Brussels sprouts |
24% |
|
7 |
Parsnips |
19% |
|
=8 |
Beef |
14% |
|
=8 |
Cauliflower cheese |
14% |
|
=8 |
Mashed potato |
14% |
|
=9 |
Cranberry sauce |
12% |
|
=9 |
Carrots |
12% |
|
10 |
Bread sauce |
9% |
The results show that roast potatoes won by a landslide, with 1 in 2 (54%) Brits considering roast potatoes as their top five favourite Christmas trimmings.
Pigs in blankets ranked in second place, with 37% of the votes – the study actually revealed that 694 million pigs in blankets will be eaten across the UK on Christmas Day, with the average person consuming 10 on the big day alone.
With turkey (32%), stuffing (30%), gravy (30%) and Yorkshire puddings (28%) populating the top five, the study from Global Knives shows that many people do believe that Yorkshire puddings belong on a Christmas dinner.
Interestingly, the controversial brussels sprouts rank in 6th place, with 24% of the nation considering this trimming to be one of their absolute favourites.