WHAT do you do when you have two foods that people seem to live and hate in equal measure?
If you’re supermarket chain Iceland, you combine them for the ultimate ‘love it or hate it’ food.
Research for Marmite owner Unilever showed that the already polarising Brussels sprout was declining in popularity and could disappear from Christmas dinners by 2020.
“Over half of the Brits we surveyed think Brussels sprouts could completely disappear from Christmas plates across the UK if their popularity continues to decline at this rate,” said Chloe Irwin, licensing director at Unilever UK & Ireland.
In response, Unilever has teamed up with Iceland to produce the new product, which sees the sprouts covered in a Marmite-flavoured butter.
“Both Brussels sprouts and Marmite are known for dividing opinion but it’s amazing how well the two flavours work together,” said Neil Nugent, head chef at Iceland.
However the verdict was mixed on social media, as you might expect of two such divisive foods.
Christmas makes ppl do stupid things - Marmite sprouts - are one such example
— EbeGeezer Scrooge (@TheGreyGeezer) 13 December 2018
@IcelandFoods sprouts with marmite- genius! 2 of my fave foods combined. I am very happy - hubby not so much pic.twitter.com/Aqs6cTC9wj
— Jo-Pan Da-vies (@suninyourface) 8 December 2018
Marmite sprouts is like: what are the two strongest-tasting foods that you can think of, and what if we combined them? pic.twitter.com/vDgYzc4IVs
— Mary (@theoceanblooms) 13 December 2018
These polarised times inspire a polarising menu. Charred #sprouts in butter and #marmite. The best recipe I’ve cooked in a while, but possibly not for everyone. pic.twitter.com/Kj6Rclv8G6
— Fionn Wardrop (@fwardrop) 5 December 2018
OMG what are “Marmite” Sprouts? And why, just for the love of God, why?
— Tracy T (@Tracy801) 11 December 2018
So it turns out that @marmite and sprouts are the best combination. Looking forward to serving them on Christmas day. @IcelandFoods utter genius.
— Amy Atkinson (@AmyFilton) 11 December 2018
@thisisheart I love marmite and I love sprouts but not together
— Danielle Hill (@1ststitcher) 11 December 2018
Marmite sprouts?
Double double love love or or hate hate.— David Peat (@DPeat_) 13 December 2018
The sprouts cost £1.50 / €1.85 for a 400g pack.
