A Pasty For Every Occasion: What 4,000 Fans Really Think About Pasty Fillings

Authored by: Tom Woodley 

There’s never a bad time to celebrate the humble, crimped masterpiece that keeps the county running. Here at The Cornish Company, we aren't just fans of the Cornish pasty; we’re slightly obsessed, which is why it’s the star of many of our food hampers. To get to the heart of what makes the pasty so special, we recently surveyed 4,000 of our customers to find out exactly how you like yours.

From the age-old debate of what’s the best filling in a Cornish pasty to some truly eyebrow-raising suggestions for new pasty flavours, the results are in. Whether you’re a traditionalist or a culinary rebel, there’s plenty to chew on...

The Most Popular Pasty Fillings: Why Steak Still Rules

Despite the growing range of popular pasty fillings appearing in bakeries across the land, the classics remain firmly on top. According to our survey, 62% of you favour the traditional steak filling. It’s hard to beat the simplicity of slow-cooked beef, potato, swede, and onion, all seasoned to perfection.

What goes in a traditional Cornish pasty never changes; the recipe is protected! As the Pasty Association outlines, to be a proper Cornish pasty, it must contain at least 12.5% beef meat, 25% veg, and be crimped on the side, never the top. Try one of our Steak Cornish Pasties for yourself to experience the traditional filling. 

The dedication to quality that goes into a traditional pasty is likely why 45% of you see it as a true Cornish delicacy, and 51% view it as a national British icon.

Other Types of Popular Pasties 

It isn't just about the steak, though. Our survey showed a healthy appreciation for other pasty fillings:

Exploring Unusual Pasty Fillings: How Brave Are You?

While 35% of you believe that alternative flavours are a no-go and that we should only ever stick to meat, potato, or veg, the rest of you are feeling a bit more adventurous. In fact, 53% of our customers are open to trying new things, even if they usually return to the classics for their go-to lunch choice.

We asked what the strangest filling you would be willing to try was, and the results were certainly creative. It seems we’re a nation that loves a classic:

  • 26% would tuck into a Christmas Dinner pasty.
  • 19% want a Full English breakfast in a crust.
  • 9% were tempted by Strawberries and Cream (we assume jam first, obviously).
  • 9% liked the idea of a Mac and Cheese pasty.
  • 8% would even try a Donner Kebab version.

While we aren't planning on putting a kebab in a crust just yet, we do love a bit of variety. For those who want a bit of everything, our Cornish Hampers bring the best of the county to your door. You can tuck into your savoury pasties and follow them up with a classic Cream Tea - which is a much more sensible way to eat them than a cream tea pasty… for now, anyway.

The Pasty Etiquette: Bag Or Plate?

There is a long-standing debate regarding how to properly eat a pasty. Are you a grab-and-go diner or a knife-and-fork enthusiast?

The results show that 47% of you keep it authentic by keeping the pasty wrapped in its paper bag while eating. This method dates back to the tin miners, who used the thick crimped crust as a handle to keep their soot-covered fingers away from their lunch. Meanwhile, 29% of you prefer to enjoy yours on a plate with a knife and fork.

When it comes to condiments, the majority (54%) are purists, believing a pasty should be eaten alone with no sauces to distract from the flavour. For those who do like a bit of a dip, 20% reach for brown sauce and 15% go for ketchup.

Celebrate The Cornish Pasty With Us

We’ve seen that for 26% of you, the pasty is the ultimate lunch choice. So, why not upgrade your next weekend lunch by treating yourself to a Steak Pasty and Ale Hamper or treat someone else to a Pasty & Cider Hamper? The pasty deserves to be enjoyed and shared, no matter your favourite pasty flavour. 

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