BBC News Online: UK

Supermarket may rename spotted dick

Spotted dick is still among the top five desserts sold

Tesco is asking customers if they want spotted dick rebranded as spotted Richard.

The company found sales of spotted dick lagged behind those of other traditional desserts.

Results of their survey on 1,200 people showed men were most bashful about buying the sponge and raisin dessert.

Many admitted concealing their purchase behind other items to spare their blushes in front of shoppers.

Tesco category director Jacqueline 'Neill said: "On the one hand, spotted dick has been a favourite dish for decades, and so may will want to keep the name.

"However, we also know that many men have been embarrassed by the name."

Uncomfortablet

While 98% of male respondents listed spotted dick as among their favourite desserts, 78% admitted that its name made them feel uncomfortable.

For 7% of men, buying the dish under its current name was a real trial when facing a female checkout assistant.

A further 3% of mainly young men said they would avoid the ordeal entirely and head for a checkout with a man behind it.

Tesco will ask customers to see if they want the pudding rebranded when it launches a new range of desserts next month.

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