More than two-fifths of Brits admit they would happily eat a Pot Noodle sandwich, according to a survey that reveals the nation's appetite for unusual food combinations. The noodle sarnie topped the list of unlikely mashups, with 43% of respondents saying they enjoy or would be willing to try it.
The survey of 2,000 adults found that 39% enjoy fries dipped in milkshakes, the same proportion like chocolate and avocado, and 37% said orange juice with cereal is a firm favourite. Other popular combos include tuna melts with pineapple (36%), peanut butter on burgers (34%), and popcorn with hot sauce (34%).
The findings come as Creams Café, the UK's largest dessert chain, moves to trademark its latest brunch creation, 'Froffle Toast' – a hybrid of French toast and a waffle. The item has already become the chain's best-selling brunch item across more than 100 UK stores, with over 5,000 sold since launching last month.
Everett Fieldgate, CEO of Creams Café, said: 'Brits are far more adventurous with food than people give them credit for. We wanted to create something that taps into that. Froffle Toast hits that sweet spot. It is different enough to get people talking, but still something you instantly want to try.'
The brand is securing the name early to avoid copycats, learning from viral trends like the Cronut, which was only trademarked after imitations appeared worldwide. Creams has even taken its campaign to the streets with mobile billboards warning the creation may not remain unique for long.
While some mashups are loved, others prove a step too far – including marmite and banana (28%), banana and mayonnaise (23%), and ice cream with gravy (20%). Fieldgate added: 'I don't think we'll be trademarking banana and mayonnaise anytime soon – there are some combinations even we would not try.'
