Minestrone-Eh? Why So Many Brits Are Confused About This Classic Italian Soup

As we continue to embrace soup season, the nation is turning to classic winter warmers to beat the cold. However, new research from Crosse & Blackwell reveals that many Brits are scratching their heads when it comes to the classic soup, Minestrone.

Over half of participants (56%) admit they’re confused as to what Minestrone soup actually is. Gen Z appears especially oblivious, with over two thirds (69%) of 18 to 29-year-olds proving the most baffled about what goes into this Italian favourite; compared to slightly more sure Boomers, at 46% of over 60s.

Regionally, those in London appear to be the least knowledgeable, with nearly 2 in 3 (60%) of respondents unsure about Minestrone’s ingredients.

This is followed by 57% in the North East of England, 56% in the South East and 55% of respondents in Yorkshire who said they were left guessing about what the soup contains, revealing widespread uncertainty about this hearty dish.

Conversely, Scots are the most informed when it comes to their minestrone with only 47% admitting their confusion about what it contains.

When asked to name ingredients typically found in Minestrone, classic components such as onions (59%), pasta (57%), and tomatoes (57%) were recognised by the majority of Brits, but ingredients such as beef (15%), bacon (10%) and eggs (8%) made surprising appearances.

Surprisingly, only two fifths (41%) of Gen Z are aware that pasta is found in Minestrone, despite it being a key ingredient of the soup, compared to over half (55%) of 30 to 44-year-olds and 66% of Boomers.

Ben Jones, Head of Soup Development at Crosse & Blackwell said: “Minestrone is a classic winter dish, even though our data shows it remains a bit of a mystery to many shoppers.

“Traditional Minestrone soup is a warming Italian vegetable soup packed with pasta or rice, vegetables, and beans, in a flavourful, herby tomato broth. While the core ingredients remain consistent, it’s the vegetables that can vary depending on regional differences and family recipes.”

Unlike many canned Minestrone soups, Crosse & Blackwell’s Minestrone Soup provides two of your five-a-day. Bursting with chunky vegetables, pasta and a hearty tomato base, it delivers a nourishing bowl, perfect for the winter months.

With over 200 years of experience, Crosse & Blackwell take pride in creating hearty soups that always deliver on flavour.

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