Endangered British Teatime Treats: Can Your Next Cuppa Save Them from Extinction?
Classic British Teatime Treats at Risk as Health Trends Rise
Once staples of British tea tables, treats like Victoria sponge, iced buns, and custard slices may be fading into obscurity. A recent survey by British Lion Eggs polled 2,000 adults aged 18–40 (Gen Z and Millennials), revealing a shift toward healthier snacks. Over 30% now reject sugar-laden classics like chocolate cake, Victoria sponge, and iced buns, deeming them “outdated and unhealthy.”
Fading Favorites
The survey listed teatime staples participants avoid:
- Chocolate cake (31%)
- Victoria sponge (30%)
- Iced bun (30%)
- Cream bun (29%)
- Custard slice (27%)
- Tea with milk and sugar (25%)
Traditional iced buns (finger-shaped rolls topped with icing) and cream buns (milk bread filled with vanilla cream) are losing favor. Even the ritual of tea with “milk and two sugars” is dwindling.
Once a teatime staple, Victoria sponge is now seen as outdated by health-conscious Brits.
The Rise of Protein-Packed Alternatives
Younger Brits now prioritize protein-rich snacks:
- Greek yogurt (35%)
- Hard-boiled eggs (32%)
- Protein bars (26%)
- Avocados (24%)
- Carrots with hummus (16%)
Reasons include staying fuller longer (55%), muscle health (30%), and weight management (23%). Nearly half (49%) of respondents identify as health-conscious, avoiding office cakes and biscuits.
Greek yogurt and hard-boiled eggs are rising stars in Britain’s snack routines.
Social Media’s Role
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels drive this shift, with 27% posting #healthy, #healthysnacking, or #protein content. “Health-conscious Brits are changing their snack habits,” said a British Lion Eggs spokesperson. “They seek protein to stay full and strong.”
Iced buns, a bakery classic, face declining popularity among younger generations.
Broader Trends
This aligns with recent Ninja research warning of “extinct” British dishes like pan haggerty and shepherd’s pie. Puddings like Chelsea buns and rhubarb crumble also risk fading away.
Conclusion
As wellness trends reshape tastes, Britain’s teatime traditions face a protein-powered overhaul—proving even the humble scone isn’t safe from the health revolution.
The classic sugary cuppa may soon be a relic of the past.
