Dippy eggs and soldiers voted most nostalgic British dish

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 3, 2026

Dippy eggs and soldiers were identified as the most nostalgic British dish in a survey of 2,000 UK adults, with 39 percent associating it with childhood memories. The dish remains popular today, serving as a comforting choice for various occasions, highlighting its lasting cultural significance in British cuisine.

Dippy eggs and soldiers have been named the most nostalgic British dish in a recent survey, edging out other popular comfort foods. The dish, which features soft-boiled eggs paired with strips of toast for dipping, was chosen by 39 percent of respondents as evoking fond childhood memories.

The survey, conducted among 2,000 adults across the United Kingdom, was part of a campaign by St Ewe Free Range Eggs aimed at celebrating the cultural significance of eggs in British cuisine. Following dippy eggs and soldiers, Angel Delight was cited by 38 percent of participants, while fish fingers with chips and beans, jelly and ice cream, and beans on toast each gathered 37 percent support. Other nostalgic favorites included apple crumble with custard (32 percent) and fairy cakes (27 percent).

Research findings indicate that over a third of those surveyed (35 percent) believe certain foods have the power to immediately transport them back to their childhood. Additionally, 31 percent described these nostalgic dishes as the ultimate comfort food during times of stress or sadness.

The survey also shed light on current consumption habits, highlighting that dippy eggs continue to maintain their popularity in the present day. Fourteen percent of adults reported eating dippy eggs for dinner, 17 percent enjoy them as a late-night snack, and 19 percent turn to the dish when needing a pick-me-up. Furthermore, 18 percent prepare it when feeling ill, and 10 percent use it to help recover from a hangover.

In terms of bread choice, white sliced bread remains the preferred accompaniment, selected by 49 percent of respondents. Wholemeal bread was favored by 13 percent, while 11 percent now opt for sourdough as their dipping bread. Taste preferences vary, with one in five people adding sea salt to their soldiers, and a smaller group (9 percent) choosing to complement their eggs with Marmite.

Bex Tonks, founder and farmer of St Ewe Free Range Eggs, commented on the cultural significance of the dish, noting that dippy eggs and soldiers serve as more than just a breakfast item; they represent one of Britain’s cherished culinary traditions.

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