Chicken and mushroom is the UK’s new favourite pie, a poll has revealed.
Gen Z has fuelled the switch from steak to chicken as youngsters pick leaner, lighter meat, the survey by Fray Bentos found.
Some 31% of Gen Z revealed chicken or chicken and mushroom to be their favourite pie filling, compared to just 22% of Baby Boomers.
Meanwhile, almost half (47%) of Boomers picked steak, compared to just 27% of Gen Zers, the poll of 2,000 people showed.
Lisa Harris, food trends expert at Harris and Hayes, explained the shift is due to changing attitudes to functional ingredients.
She said: “Younger consumers are increasingly switching away from heavier red meats, which mean chicken has pecked away at steak’s lead.
“Chicken and mushroom is a powerful combination, delivering a rich, familiar flavour pairing that is both classic and comforting.
“It’s no surprise that mushrooms feature in the top slot, as they are an unstoppable functional food trend.
“Popping up in everything from mushroom coffee to chocolate, mushrooms are celebrated for their high-protein, natural umami flavour and meaty texture.
“Gen Z is also more open to ‘mash up’ pies like Mac & Cheese when compared to older generations, as well as being more experimental with combining textures, carbs and cuisines, particularly when it comes to comfort food.”
Meanwhile, the study shows that eating the crust first then the filling is the most popular pie-eating technique (34%), followed by lifting off the lid (29%), while 11% prefer to eat pies cold with their hands.
This comes as Fray Bentos launches its classic Chicken & Mushroom flavour ahead of British Pie Week (March 2-8), along with a Chicken Tikka Match Day Pie released in time for a feast of football this summer.
Jude Smart, Fray Bentos brand manager, said: “Chicken and steak have been battling it out at the top of the pie chart for decades – and we have a new champion.
“The survey stats show Gen Z has fuelled the switch from steak to chicken as the UK’s favourite filling.
“We’ve marked this milestone with the launch of two new chicken pies. Chicken & Mushroom adds a classic recipe to the beloved Fray Bentos pie-in-a-tin range, while the limited-edition Chicken Tikka Match Day pie – complete with a giant football on pack – is perfectly timed for a summer of wall-to-wall football.”
The Chicken & Mushroom pie is sold in Tesco, Sainsbury’s and B&M across the UK with a MRRP of £2.99.
The limited-edition Chicken Tikka Match Day pie is available in Morrisons stores nationwide and will roll out to Asda, B&M and Home Bargains in spring. This pie also has a £2.99 MRRP.
UK’s top 10 favourite pies
1. Chicken & mushroom 17%
2. Chicken 14%
3. Steak & kidney 12%
4. Steak & gravy 12%
5. Steak & ale 12%
6. Meat & potato 7%
7. Minced beef & onion 7%
8. Cheese & onion 6%
9. Vegetable 4%
10. Mac & cheese 3%
