A new breakfast debate is bubbling across the UK, and it’s dividing generations one pancake at a time. According to new research commissioned by Dole Packaged Foods, nearly half of Brits would happily ditch traditional toast in favour of pancakes — with pineapple emerging as the topping of choice.
The survey of 2,000 UK adults suggests the classic Full English may be getting a modern makeover, as younger generations embrace nostalgic comfort foods with a contemporary twist.
Gen Z Is Leading the Pineapple Pancake Revolution
The findings reveal a sharp generational split when it comes to breakfast habits. While the Full English remains a beloved British staple, younger people are far more open to reinventing it.
According to the survey:
- 63% of Gen Z would swap toast for pancakes
- 51% of Millennials are open to the idea
- Compared to just 35% of Gen X
- And only 30% of Baby Boomers
The trend reflects the rise of “newstalgia” — a growing food movement where classic dishes are reimagined with playful, modern updates.
And when it comes to toppings, pineapple surprisingly reigns supreme. Almost 59% of respondents said they’d happily top pancakes with pineapple, proving the tropical fruit is becoming an unlikely breakfast favourite.
The UK’s Most Traditional Breakfast Cities Revealed
Regional differences also played a huge role in the survey results.
Wakefield was crowned the UK’s most traditional breakfast city, with a staggering 91% unwilling to replace toast with pancakes. Other cities resistant to change included:
- Sunderland (79%)
- Preston (78%)
- Peterborough (77%)
- Sheffield (57%)
Meanwhile, Londoners appeared far more adventurous, with 60% open to pineapple pancakes. Northern Ireland was even more receptive at 62%.
Other cities embracing the trend included:
- Birmingham (47%)
- Edinburgh (43%)
- Leeds (42%)
Why Pineapple Is Having a Moment
Part of pineapple’s appeal may come from its surprisingly luxurious history. Once considered a rare symbol of wealth and status, the fruit was historically associated with royalty and indulgence.
The survey found that:
- 24% of Brits say pineapple feels more appealing because of its luxury image
- 19% of Gen Z and Millennials said seeing a royal eating pineapple would encourage them to try it
- Just 7% of Boomers said they’d be influenced by royal endorsement
Among members of the Royal Family, Catherine, Princess of Wales emerged as the most influential, with 17% saying she’d be most likely to convince them to try pineapple pancakes.
Black Pudding Named Britain’s Least Favourite Full English Item
The research also revealed changing attitudes toward the traditional Full English breakfast itself.
Black pudding was voted the least-loved breakfast item by 38% of Brits, followed by mushrooms and tomatoes, both receiving 10% of the vote.
The findings suggest that while the Full English remains iconic, many Brits are open to updating certain elements of the classic plate.
Dole Wants Breakfast to Be Less Predictable
Speaking about the survey results, Tao Baidoun, Brand Manager at Dole Packaged Foods, said:
“Let’s be honest, the Full English has been playing it safe for far too long. Pineapple is that unexpected guest that turns up, steals the show and somehow makes everything else taste better.”
“It cuts through the richness, adds a hit of sweetness, and suddenly your breakfast feels a lot less predictable. If that ruffles a few feathers, even better. The best food conversations always do.”
How to Make Pineapple Pancakes at Home
For anyone tempted to try the viral-inspired breakfast trend, Dole recommends a simple recipe:
- Add two small ladlefuls of pancake batter to a pan
- Make each pancake slightly larger than a pineapple ring
- Cook for around 15 seconds
- Place a pineapple ring on top of each pancake
- Continue cooking until golden brown
Pineapple lovers can find Dole Pineapple Slices in major UK supermarkets including Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s, with prices starting from around £1.25 per can.
