Political commentator Clare Muldoon has sparked debate after claiming Generation Z is “taking the fun out” of Christmas by abandoning traditional festive foods.
Speaking on GB News, Muldoon criticised young people’s rejection of classic Christmas dishes, as new research from Aldi reveals more than half of Millennials and Gen Z believe holiday meals need a modern makeover.
The survey of 2,000 people found that 78 per cent of Gen Z are ready to trade traditional Christmas fare for globally-inspired alternatives.
According to Aldi’s research, traditional Christmas staples are falling out of favour with younger generations.
Clare Muldoon hit out at Gen Z’ers who are ditching traditional Christmas dinner foods
GB NEWS / GETTY
Mince pies topped the list of rejected items at 31 per cent, followed by Christmas pudding at 29 per cent and Christmas cake at 25 per cent.
Even turkey, long considered the centrepiece of Christmas dinner, is being shunned by 20 per cent of young people.
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New stats show young people are increasingly not going for turkey
ALDI
Other traditional items facing rejection include cranberry sauce (25 per cent), Brussels sprouts (24 per cent), and bread sauce (22 per cent).
“They’re regaling completely against any form of tradition. It’s just awful,” Muldoon said on GB News.
The commentator expressed particular concern about alternative dietary choices, stating: “They are opting instead for anything from vegan pigs in blankets to roast duck to gluten free mince pies… I mean, come on!”
“It’s a cultural shift,” she added. “They’re taking the fun out of it. Gluten free, fat free, where’s the fun in that?”
A GB News panel discussed turkey getting the chop this Christmas
GB NEWS
According to Aldi’s survey, Gen Z’s ideal Christmas dinner looks markedly different from traditional fare.
American-style loaded fries are favoured by 29 per cent of young people, while 26% prefer African-inspired dishes.
Chinese takeout favourites are the choice for 20 per cent of Gen Z diners.
Traditional desserts are also being replaced, with cheesecake (33 per cent), chocolate gateau (29 per cent), and ice cream (25 per cent) emerging as the preferred festive sweet options.
Despite changing preferences, Aldi expects to sell over 2.3 million Christmas puddings this year, with single-serve options proving particularly popular.
The supermarket has responded to evolving tastes by launching a Christmas Pudding Exchange Service.
The initiative allows shoppers to exchange any unwanted Christmas pudding at Community Donation Points in-store, receiving a £12 voucher to spend on alternative items.