Over half of Brits (51%) will tuck into a roast dinner this Easter Sunday – but just 31% of those will opt for the traditional roast lamb that is historically synonymous with the religious holiday.
Nearly three-quarters of adults (70%) who celebrate Easter plan to buck tradition this year, with a quarter opting for a roast chicken, while turkey and beef are also popular choices.
And a survey, of 2,000 people, found that other “unconventional” Sunday lunch choices for the bank holiday weekend include salad, steak, and even pizza.
It emerged that two-thirds of those polled are not even aware that it is considered traditional to eat roast lamb to celebrate Easter, with the meat historically chosen by Christians to commemorate Jesus.
Other menu choices for the holiday this year will include shepherd's pie, fish and chips, breaded chicken, or a barbeque.
The research, commissioned by Sainsbury's, revealed that 77% claim they stick to tradition when celebrating cultural holidays.
However, while 67% are likely to mark the occasion with a family meal this year, other activities such as going to the pub, going shopping, or having a movie marathon, are also high on the agenda over the bank holiday period.
Men are also twice as likely as women to enjoy sporting events, the gym, or even a trip abroad during their Easter break.
Of those who do sit down to a roast, many will elevate their Easter meal with Christmas classics like stuffing (28%) and pigs in blankets (16%) – although classic roast potatoes (59%) come out on top as the favourite side dish.
Showing their experimental side, a quarter of 18-24-year-olds choose hot sauce (26%) or BBQ sauce (25%) to garnish their roast.
And more than a fifth enjoy baked beans (23%), bread (22%), or even black pudding (20%) on the side.
Dr Amna Khan, consumer behaviour expert, said: “Many shoppers are evolving their Easter food traditions, and looking for new ways to enjoy the bank holiday.
“While most are adding their own spin to classic dishes, some are reinventing Easter norms altogether and, as a result, new food trends are emerging.
“The younger Gen Z consumer is more experimental than older generations, combining modern and traditional foods to create unique and personalised food experiences that satisfy their tastes and create joy for them.”
Regardless of meal preference, food plays a big part, with 77% agreeing it adds joy to Easter celebrations.
Furthermore, seven in ten have either hosted the celebration for friends and family in the past, or want to in the future, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
Historically, Easter hosts have spent an average of £63 in the past – but over half (51%) celebrating the holiday are looking for ways to save money due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Dr Amna Khan added: “The cost-of-living crisis is forcing us to get creative with our spending, to ensure we can still make holidays like Easter special to give ourselves a lift.
“Celebrating Easter with friends and family whilst enjoying food is the perfect occasion for many people across the country.
“Lots of consumers will be making savvy food choices, trading down for cheaper alternatives, or simply replacing the food choice with a completely different option.”
Mark Given, chief marketing officer at Sainsbury’s, said: “Easter is one of the biggest calendar moments, and whilst customers are looking forward to celebrating, it is evident that they are looking for ways to save money this year.
“This research really highlights that we all have our own traditions, and this Easter we want to help customers make the most of the celebrations whether you like lamb, beef, or pizza, prefer hot or BBQ sauce – and even if you want to top your roast with baked beans.”
TOP 10 MEALS PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS EASTER:
- Roast dinner
- Steak
- Pizza
- Salad
- Fish and chips
- Salmon
- BBQ
- Breaded chicken
- Shepherd's pie
- Fish pie
