Young people are turning away from traditional Christmas foods like mince pies and Christmas pudding in favor of plant-based options

Gen Z are turning their back on Christmas traditional favourites – including mince pies, Christmas pudding, and cranberry sauce.

A survey of 2,000 individuals who participate in Christmas festivities revealed that 78 percent of younger adults are eager to incorporate plant-based roasts and internationally inspired dishes into their Christmas dinner.

While brussels sprouts and bread sauce are also falling out of favour with these youngsters.

Concerning classic holiday meals, 54 percent of Generation Z and Millennials believe that traditional Christmas dishes should be given a contemporary touch to stay current.

With 56 per cent of these two groups going on to describing festive classics, like Christmas pudding, as ‘dated.’

In response to this trend, Aldi, the organization behind the study, has introduced a Christmas Pudding Exchange Program for individuals looking to switch up their usual dried fruit dessert on Christmas Day.

From today until 28th December, customers can return any Christmas pudding by dropping it off at their local store’s foodbank and providing photographic evidence to [email protected] to receive a £10 Christmas dessert voucher.

Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at the supermarket, said: “We’re aware that tastes are evolving, so whether you want turkey and all the trimmings, or loaded fries and pizza for Christmas, we have something for everyone.

“This Christmas, we’re launching a Christmas Pudding Exchange Service to help customers end their meal with a dessert they love.”

The most popular cuisines Gen Z would like to see influence their Christmas meal are America foods like loaded fries (29 per cent), African-inspired dishes (26 per cent) and Chinese food (20 per cent).

And when it comes to pudding, youngsters would love cheesecake (33 per cent), chocolate gateau (29 per cent), and ice cream (25 per cent) to be served up.

However, 61 per cent of Gen Z reckon they’re still likely to see their parents dish up a Christmas pud this year though, even if they think no one likes it.

Despite this, data from Aldi shows single portions of Christmas puddings are becoming more popular, with the supermarket forecasting to sell over 2.3million this year.

It also emerged the main reasons all Christmas revellers would like to change up their traditional dinner is to fit personal taste preferences better (34 per cent).

A quarter (27 per cent) would mix things up to be more inclusive for dietary restrictions, while 26 per cent want a more exciting or adventurous meal (26 per cent).

But two-thirds (67 per cent) of Gen Z reckon it’s important that their Christmas dinner is Instagram-worthy.