A new survey of 2,000 adults has uncovered the most popular unconventional food combinations among Brits, with apple slices paired with cheddar cheese topping the list at 27%. The research, commissioned by Costa Coffee, also found that 18% of respondents are devoted to chips and milkshakes, while 8% eat eggs with jam.
Generation Gap in Food Experimentation
The study revealed a significant generational divide: 66% of 18-24-year-olds enjoy mixing sweet and savoury flavours, compared to just 15% of those aged 65 and over. Conversely, 78% of over-65s prefer traditional flavours, while only a third of Gen Z share that preference. Overall, 56% of adults stick to traditional flavours and avoid quirky culinary mashups.
Willingness to Try New Combinations
Despite some reluctance, 75% of adults said they are willing to sample new food combinations. Among those hesitant, 29% would only try unusual menu options if offered a free taste, and 26% would consider it but ultimately choose their regular order. The OnePoll.com findings also showed that 43% of adults believe the best food pairings are those you'd least expect to work.
Costa Coffee and McVitie's Jaffa Cakes Collaboration
The research was commissioned by Costa Coffee, which has partnered with McVitie's Jaffa Cakes to create a ready-to-drink frappe combining coffee with chocolate orange flavour. A spokesperson for Costa Coffee said: “Some pairings strike the perfect balance between familiarity and discovery. Coffee and chocolate orange is a great example – bringing together two flavours people already know and love in a way that feels both comforting and exciting.”
Top 20 Weird and Wonderful Food Combinations
- Apple slices with cheddar cheese
- Fries and milkshake
- Drizzling honey over fried chicken
- Coffee with chocolate orange
- Garlic bread with ketchup
- Watermelon and feta cheese
- Strawberries and black pepper
- Noodles and peanut butter
- Eggs and jam
- Mango and chilli powder
- Cheese and chocolate spread
- Crisps with jam
- Hot sauce with chocolate desserts
- Popcorn and hot sauce
- Avocado and chocolate
- Salt on watermelon
- Peanut butter with pickles
- Banana with mayonnaise
- Dunking pizza crusts into soft serve ice cream
- Ice cream with olive oil and sea salt
The spokesperson added: “We're delighted to see coffee and chocolate orange recognised as one of the nation's favourite flavour combinations. While some of the pairings in the research might divide opinion, it is a pairing that feels instantly familiar and enjoyable.”
