Could we soon see the death of ketchup? Gen Z think it's too 'unhealthy'

It's been a few years since the great ketchup debate raged on social media, but in that time it seems the humble condiment may have lost its relevance, with Gen Z now labelling the versatile sauce "outdated".

Turns out some of Britain's best loved meal accompaniments, including tomato ketchup, could soon be consigned to history as young Brits deem them "unhealthy".

A poll collecting the nation's opinions about their favourite dips, sauces and condiments found that a third (33%) of under 26-year-olds feel ketchup is past its prime, while brown sauce (29%), and English mustard (21%) are also seen as old hat.

Instead, Gen Z favour splashing soy sauce (48%), sriracha (45%) and wasabi (17%) on their food.

The survey, of 2,000 Brits, also saw a rise in popularity of fermented condiments, like kimchi (17%) and sauerkraut (8%), which are lower in sugar and contain probiotics.

Overall, 57% of the young Brits surveyed, said they preferred healthier sauces to those considered to be full of sugar, preservatives or hydrogenated vegetable fats, with almost half (49%) avoiding certain condiments because of their lack of nutritional value.

Read more: The UK’s favourite three-course meal has been revealed – and there’s a retro twist (Yahoo Life UK, 3-min read)

Despite this, almost three quarters (71%) of the Gen Z-ers surveyed claim to enjoy condiments with every meal.

Other favourites which may soon be consigned to history, include BBQ sauce and redcurrant jelly, according to the poll.

The survey, conducted by Vadasz Pickles and Ferments, found tabasco, wasabi and chimichurri are replacing classic accompaniments such as piccalilli and mint sauce.

A spicy 77% of the youngsters surveyed, said they prefer hotter sauces, while almost a quarter (23%) felt there were so many condiments to try now, ketchup is no longer needed.

Read more: These are the most popular Deliveroo dishes in the UK (Yahoo Life UK, 2-min read)

A snooty 73% admit there is a certain snobbery among younger people about using old-fashioned sauces such as ketchup or brown sauce.

Commenting on the findings Nick Vadasz, founder, commented: "With the average bottle of ketchup containing 78g of sugar, it’s no real surprise that we are seeing a trend in younger people turning their back on unhealthier sauces and condiments - and a surge in popularity of super condiments that are packed with natural ingredients, and rich in probiotics; great for the gut health and for immunity."

Read more: The most nostalgic foods for Brits revealed, from roast dinners to fish fingers (Yahoo Life UK, 2-min read)

Condiments deemed 'old fashioned' and 'outdated'

1. Ketchup – 33% (of under 26-year-olds think it old fashioned and out-dated)

2. Worcestershire sauce – 32%

3. Brown sauce – 29%

4. Mint sauce – 24%

5. Horseradish – 24%

6. Piccalilli – 24%

7. English mustard – 21%

8. Salad cream – 21%

9. Redcurrant jelly – 19%

10. BBQ sauce – 19%

Read more: These are the UK's favourite home-cooked meals - but do you agree? (Lancashire Telegraph, 2-min read)

Gen Z's best-loved modern condiments

1. Soy sauce – 48% (said they eat it regularly)

2. Peri peri sauce – 46%

3. Sriracha – 45%

4. Salsa – 41%

5. Chipotle – 27%

6. Tabasco – 26%

7. Kimchi – 17%

8. Wasabi – 17%

9. Chimichurri – 13 %

10. Sauerkraut – 8%