The traditional Sunday roast is undergoing a significant transformation, driven largely by Generation Z, according to a recent survey. The research indicates that individuals aged 18 to 29 are more likely than any other demographic to modify the classic meal, incorporating global flavors and alternative ingredients.
A survey of 2,000 people found that 39% of Gen Z respondents add ketchup to their roast, while 26% use mayonnaise and 23% opt for hot sauce. Other popular additions include chili oil (19%), hot honey (14%), and even kimchi (9%) and avocado (7%). This culinary evolution also sees 14% swapping roast potatoes for mash and 12% abandoning Yorkshire puddings.
These changes are often motivated by a desire for healthier eating. Over a third of those making modifications cite eating more vegetables (35%) as a primary reason, followed by making the meal healthier (34%), increasing protein intake (22%), and adding more fiber (20%).
Despite these shifts, core elements of the Sunday roast remain highly valued by many. The survey highlights that 68% of Britons believe roast potatoes are essential, with roast meat (65%), gravy (63%), and Yorkshire puddings (60%) also considered crucial components. Beef is the nation's favorite roast meat, favored by 32% of respondents, followed by chicken (25%) and lamb (19%).
Beyond personal preferences, there is a broader sentiment among Britons to see traditional British dishes preserved and celebrated. Four in five surveyed want restaurants, pubs, and cafés to reintroduce classic dishes that evoke childhood memories. A significant majority (77%) would pay more for meals made with British ingredients, with 27% willing to spend over £5 extra and 71% more likely to order a dish if its British provenance is clearly stated on the menu.
Award-winning chef Sally Abé noted that diners today are more adventurous than in previous years. "Ingredients that might once have felt niche... are now much more widely accepted when they're presented well," Abé stated. She added that younger diners, having grown up with diverse global flavors, are more open to experimenting with traditional dishes. While acknowledging the evolution of meals like the Sunday roast through new vegetables or spicier accompaniments, Abé also observed a concurrent return to comfort and nostalgia, with a continued demand for classic British cooking executed with high-quality ingredients.
Across all age groups, modifications to the Sunday roast include swapping traditional roast potatoes for sweet potatoes (12%) and adding jalapenos (8%) or mac & cheese as a side (11%).