French mock Tesco over decision to only sell straight croissants because customers cannot spread jam properly
The word 'croissant' means crescent in French
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The new “straight” croissants now on sale in Tesco have baffled French commentators.
The supermarket chain announced it would soon start only selling straight versions of the French breakfast pastries - as opposed to the traditional curved version.
It claims 75 per cent of its customers prefer the straight versions because of the "spreadability factor" - despite the word "croissant" meaning crescent in French.
Harry Jones, the company’s croissant buyer, told the Guardian: “After demand for crescent shaped croissants started falling, we spoke to our customers and nearly 75% of them told us that they preferred straight ones.
“At the heart of the move away from curved croissants is the spreadability factor. The majority of shoppers find it easier to spread jam, or their preferred filling, on a straighter shape with a single sweeping motion.
“With the crescent shaped croissants, it’s more fiddly and most people can take up to three attempts to achieve perfect coverage, which increases the potential for accidents involving sticky fingers and tables”.
But the story prompted general confusion when it was reported in French media.
One news website, 20minutes, asked if the news was the first clear sign of an impending Brexit - before referring to the practice of spreading jam on croissants as “sacrilege”.
Another said the move was “completely absurd”.
One Twitter user suggested the move may be a joke saying "Ah, the English sense of humour":
Another user despaired, asking why "they" still insist the UK must remain in the EU:
Another suggested straight croissants were a declaration of war.
British social media users also mocked the idea saying Tesco's customers can not be "that stupid".
The pastry has been a staple of the French breakfast table since they were adapted from an Austrian version reportedly brought to the country by Marie-Antoinette.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments