Teapots, tea cosies, toast racks and willow pattern plates – the breakfast table items which are now deemed old-fashioned and outdated, according to younger Brits.

Researchers from British Lion eggs took an in-depth look at the changing face of the Great British breakfast table, with 72 percent of modern Brits not bothering to lay the breakfast table, like their parents and grandparents do.

Breakfast table history

Other classic items which could soon be consigned to breakfast table history, include butter knives (33 percent), milk jugs (32 percent) and floral or willow pattern plates (29 percent).

81 percent of Gen Z and Millennial Britons, say their parents or grandparents are (or were) more formal about the first meal of the day.

In fact, 72 percent of those polled think it is old fashioned to set the table for breakfast, and instead, prefer to eat casually, at a kitchen island or on the sofa.

And the older generation still sit down for breakfast earlier during the week, at 7:18am on average, according to the poll, while millennials and Gen Z’s sit down later at 8:20am.

When it comes to breakfast foods that are falling by the wayside, 66 percent have never tried kippers, while half a grapefruit (55 percent), black pudding (36 percent), fried bread (33 percent) and even marmalade (26 percent) are seen as old fashioned.

In contrast on a modern breakfast table, you are more likely to find scrambled eggs and salmon (23 percent), French toast (23 percent), waffles (20 percent), and poached eggs on sourdough (18 percent).

British Egg Week Poll

A spokesperson for British Lion eggs, who commissioned the poll ahead of British Egg Week commented, “Breakfast may now be more informal and less planned, but it’s still as important as ever. While some foods have fallen off the breakfast menu, naturally nutritious options like eggs are still a favourite, featuring in six of the top 10 preferred breakfast options.”

Overall, 69 percent agree that the occasion of breakfast has changed over the years, while 73 percent believe it has definitely become less formal.

79 percent agree that eggs are a breakfast staple that has stood the test of time, with scrambled (27 percent) the nation’s favourite way to enjoy them.

And BRUNCH is now more popular than breakfast, with 52 percent of those polled claiming it is the better meal (compared to 48 percent who voted for breakfast).

Old fashioned breakfast table traditions

1.         Teapots – 55 percent (*of modern Brits say they are outdated)

2.         Tablecloths – 54 percent

3.         Tea cosies – 48 percent

4.         Laying the breakfast table – 35 percent

5.         Fine china teacups and saucers – 34 percent

6.         Reading at the breakfast table – 34 percent

7.         Butter knives – 33 percent

8.         Milk jugs – 32 percent

9.         Toast racks – 31 percent

10.       Floral or willow pattern plates – 29 percent

Modern breakfast table items

1.         Mugs of tea – 44 percent

2.         Mugs of coffee – 44 percent

3.         Boxes of cereal – 43 percent

4.         iPhones – 30 percent

5.         Plain white plates – 26 percent

6.         Plate of eggs – 23 percent

7.         Cartons of juice – 21 percent

8.         Cartons of milk – 19 percent

9.         Packs of butter – 14 percent

10.       Pastries – 10 percent

Do you have a breakfast table tradition? Share yours in the comments.

Did you enjoy this article? Browse the latest exclusive special offers and discount codes from my affiliate partners. Click here.

Note: Research of 2,000 Britons was commissioned by British Lion eggs and was conducted by Perspectus Global in September 2023. This article contains affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!