Traditional Christmas pudding is losing its place at the nation’s tables, as appears from a recent industry report showing the constant decline in its popularity.
According to new data from Gousto’s Festive Feasting 2025 Study, more than a third of Brits (38 per cent) don’t eat Christmas pudding at all, combining those who don’t buy one (28 per cent) and those who buy it only for show (10 per cent).
That means over five million puddings are purchased and flambéed each year, but never eaten.
Despite its iconic status, the pudding is most popular only with older generations.
71 percent of Boomers and 72 percent of the Silent Generation say they eat it, compared with just over half of Gen Z (53 per cent), meaning nearly half of 18–27-year-olds don’t eat it at all. Men (67 per cent) are also more likely than women (58 per cent) to tuck in.
Gousto Chef Sophie Nahmad said: “For generations, the Christmas pudding has been a symbol of togetherness, but many families are now choosing desserts that actually get eaten. Sticky toffee pudding, trifle and cheesecake are rising stars of the festive table.”
While the traditional pudding still tops the national rankings, with 31 per cent of Brits naming it their favourite festive dessert, modern tastes are diversifying.
Trifle (14 per cent), Yule log (13 per cent), cheesecake (12 per cent) and sticky toffee pudding (10 per cent) are fast closing the gap. Among Gen Z, sticky toffee pudding has already claimed the top spot at 22 per cent, overtaking the classic entirely.
Regionally, the nation’s sweet tooth splits even further, trifle dominates in Scotland (29 per cent), Northern Ireland (22 per cent) and the North East (26 per cent), while cheesecake and Yule log continue to rise as the go-to modern alternatives on festive tables across the UK.
Gousto chef Sophie Nahmad said, “You don’t need to feel guilty for ditching the Christmas pudding. It makes sense to celebrate with a festive dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone.
"It’s understandable that people want to flambé their puddings for some festive theatre at the table, but there are many other desserts you can set alight. Something more crowd pleasing like a Sticky Toffee Pudding that has a similar shape and look, is a great alternative.”