Could the traditional Christmas pudding soon be in danger of being consigned to history and replaced by a sponge alternative?
For the first time Tesco has this year more festive sponges on offer than Christmas puddings – 12 sponges compared with 10 traditional puddings.
The change has come because younger diners, and Millennials in particular, prefer sponges as they are easier to digest compared with heavier, fruited puddings.
In 2013 five times as many shopper bought Christmas puds compared to sponges. Now, it's only twice as many, and that gap is predicted to narrow even more this year.
Last Christmas Tesco saw demand for sponge alternatives grow by nearly 10 per cent on the previous year while sales of traditional puds remained stable. This year it is expecting even more customers to be in favour of sponges.
Tesco seasonal bakery buyer Vicky Smith explained:
“These sponge alternatives are proving popular as tastes are changing, particularly with younger people who are generally not so keen on fruited puddings.
“There is also more innovation to be found in sponges as shapes and centres can be different – such as our finest*Orange Liqueur Sponge with Belgian Chocolate Sauce, that you pour into the middle and let it gently cascade out.
“Another top seller in the run up to Christmas this year is our finest* Gingerbread and Butterscotch Melt Pudding.
“Along with sprouts, pudding is now the most divisive part of the festive feast – the choice between a traditional Christmas pud or a modern alternative.
“But if demand carries on at its present rate it might not be too long before the festive sponge takes over completely.”
