Britons are shunning traditional pancake toppings in favour of ‘fancy’ fillings such as bacon and kimchi.
While some still opt for Shrove Tuesday staples such as lemon and sugar, Generation Z have decided to be a bit more creative.
Classic condiments are being ditched as young people race to try Korean and Vietnamese versions of the popular breakfast food to celebrate the start of Lent, according to research by Waitrose.
The high-street favourite’s findings are backed by kitchen experts Tefal who reported this week that only 30 per cent of UK adults still favoured a classic lemon and sugar sprinkle in 2025.
And it seems that others have given up making crêpes altogether and are taking to platforms such as TikTok to discover viral trends, including pancake spaghetti.
Online searches for pancake sticks – which look like American corn-dogs on skewers – have surged more than 200 per cent in the last week.
And browsing on social media for the bizarre combination of pancake burgers and milkshakes were up 67 per cent and 60 per cent, respectively.
When it came to inventive new toppings, Korean-style vegetable pancakes (Yachaejeon) – made using kimchi – won an easy gold medal thanks to the rising popularity of vegan and plant-based diets.
Britons are shunning traditional pancake toppings in favour of ‘fancy’ fillings such as bacon and kimchi
When it came to inventive new toppings, Korean-style vegetable pancakes (Yachaejeon) – made using kimchi – won an easy gold medal thanks to the rising popularity of vegan and plant-based diets
While some still opt for Shrove Tuesday staples such as lemon and sugar
Online searches for pancake sticks – which look like American corn-dogs on skewers – have surged more than 200 per cent in the last week
Waitrose revealed they saw 350 per cent more clicks for recipes of the dish featuring the spicy fermented cabbage on their website
Waitrose revealed they saw 350 per cent more clicks for recipes of the dish featuring the spicy fermented cabbage on their website.
Another fashionable variety popular with foodies was Vietnamese Bánh Xèo – stuffed with rice, prawns and pancetta – which saw searches double this month alone.
Will Torrent, senior brand development chef at Waitrose, said: ‘It’s clear this trend is fuelled by increased access to diverse ingredients, social media and a growing desire for culinary adventure.
‘Pancakes offer such a versatile and exciting canvas – using them as a base means home cooks are able to recreate global flavours and personalise their creations.’
