It’s the culinary argument that regularly divides households, but new research reveals that a clear majority of Brits assemble their scones the Cornish way, spreading jam before cream.
While the late Queen Elizabeth II was famously known to favour the Devonian method of putting cream on first, nationwide research shows that 71% of Brits insist jam goes first, leaving just 29% in the cream-first camp.
The findings come as the humble cream tea experiences a revival among younger generations, with 52% of younger Brits noting that the traditional tea time treat has found a new audience on TikTok.
Feelings on the subject run deep. According to the poll, 30% of Brits hold strong opinions on the correct assembly order, while 37% admit to judging others for building their scone “incorrectly.” A further 20% said they would refuse to eat a scone that was assembled the wrong way, and 22% have engaged in heated arguments with friends over the topic.
The debate extends to pronunciation as well, with 55% of respondents pronouncing “scone” to rhyme with “gone” and 45% saying it rhymes with “bone.” Over a third of respondents confessed to silently judging someone over how they pronounce the word.
To address the divide, Costa Coffee believes it has created a solution with its new half-and-half scone. Using a specially designed dual-piping bag, both jam and cream are applied simultaneously to create a balanced swirl.
To mark the launch, the first dual-swirl scone was served to the Mayors of Saltash and Kingsbridge at Costa’s Saltash store, located directly on the Devon-Cornwall border.
Cllr Brian Stoyel, Mayor of Saltash, said: “We’re proud that Saltash has become the home of Britain’s latest chapter in the great scone debate. The beauty of Costa’s 50/50 scone is that it celebrates both traditions rather than choosing between them. After trying it for myself, I can confirm it’s every bit as delicious as it sounds – proof that sometimes, bringing people together is even better than settling the argument.”
Andrea Stewart, Global Head of Food at Costa, added: “Our research shows Britain remains divided when it comes to how people top their scones, so we thought it was about time someone brought both sides together. Rather than choosing between two much-loved traditions, we wanted to create a playful compromise that celebrates both approaches and gives everyone a way to enjoy their cream tea.”
The launch coincides with the return of scones to Costa Coffee menus for the first time in over five years. The items are available in more than 1,000 stores nationwide, alongside an Afternoon Bundle featuring a regular hot or iced drink with a scone, jam, and cream starting at £6.49 in participating locations through 21st October 2026.
