Bangers falling out of favour at barbecues…as health-conscious Britons turn on processed meats 

Chicken has overtaken sausages as a barbecue staple as health-conscious Britons turn their backs on processed meat, researchers say.

For many years the king of the barbecue, the great British banger has now slipped into third place behind chicken. 

Burgers – which in 2016 overtook sausages – remain the most popular, although sales have also fallen as Britons pick more upmarket options.

Data from analysts Kantar Worldpanel shows burgers and sausages featured at 31million and 25million barbecues respectively last year – down 15 and 24 per cent.

Chicken rose to second with 28.5million servings as special BBQ ranges increasingly appear on shelves.

Kantar’s Richard Allen told trade magazine The Grocer that cuts of lamb, pork and beef were also in higher demand as shoppers chose foods ‘perceived as being more natural’ and less processed.