Over half of Gen Z say Christmas dinner is incomplete without their favourite condiment
Gen Z are spicing up their Christmas dinners with a bold array of condiments.
Wacky condiments are making their way onto Gen Z’s Christmas dinners this year, with many younger Brits reaching for more than just the gravy boat. According to a poll of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas, Gen Z are breaking with tradition by adding an array of unconventional sauces to their plates.
Hot sauce such as sriracha (36%), curry sauce (39%), salad cream (25%), barbecue sauce (21%), and sweet chilli sauce (21%) are all making appearances at the Christmas table. More than half of Gen Z (51%) have dolloped mayo onto their Christmas dinner, and even more (56%) have covered it with ketchup.
The research found that 43% of Gen Z do not want to feel restricted by tradition and would choose a non-traditional condiment like ketchup over gravy to accompany their Christmas meal.
For many, sauce is essential: more than half (51%) said Christmas dinner would be ruined without their favourite sauce, while almost six in ten (58%) would find it hard to live without their go-to condiment.
The research was commissioned by Subway to mark the launch of three sauce-bottle-shaped Christmas baubles inspired by its most popular sauces – Chipotle Southwest, Sweet Onion, and Honey Mustard – all made in the UK from 100% recycled plastic.
A spokesperson for the sandwich chain, which is offering the limited-edition Christmas baubles in a free giveaway from 10am today, said: “There's no denying that Brits take their sauces seriously, and we love seeing what unique flavour combinations our customers come up with.
“The sauce is what makes the Sub, and to celebrate this, we’ve created our own baubles inspired by some fan favourites. And to spread some joy this Christmas, they’re up for grabs for free.”
Gen Z's enthusiasm for condiments doesn’t stop at the dinner table. The survey revealed that 44% have argued with friends or family over sauce choices, 43% have turned down a meal because their favourite wasn’t available, 32% have brought their own sauce to dinner, and nearly a quarter (24%) admit to consuming a condiment straight from the bottle.
