The unusual combinations are fuelling a quirky trend that’s rapidly gaining traction online, as researchers uncover obscure combinations searched for online.
Among the most surprising suggestions are peanut butter with mixed bean chilli soup and salted popcorn on tomato.
Other unconventional pairings include hot honey on cheese and tomato soup, and anchovies in minestrone.
Ben Jones, soup development chef at Crosse & Blackwell, said: “Cornflakes on Broccoli & Stilton might sound playful, but there’s real flavour science behind it — the toasty crunch cuts through the creaminess, and that hint of sweetness softens stilton’s bold edge.
“It’s the kind of simple contrast that makes every mouthful more satisfying.
“The same goes for topping a creamy tomato soup with flaming hot crisps — the chilli kick naturally boosts the tomato’s acidity, while the crunch keeps each spoonful exciting.
“And a dusting of chocolate on mixed bean chilli?
“That’s a long-standing chef’s trick — cocoa deepens savoury flavours, rounds out spices and gives the whole bowl that slow-cooked richness we all love.
“This trend shows that people aren’t just experimenting for the fun of it — they’re leaning into combinations that genuinely work.
“So if you’re curious, trust your tastebuds and give these twists a try.
“They’re unexpected, yes, but each one brings balance, warmth and a little bit of comfort to the table.”
Inspired by the trend, the company is exploring the launch of three new soup products that blend traditional recipes with offbeat ingredients such as chocolate and cornflakes.
The move follows research by Crosse & Blackwell that reveals more than half of Londoners (52 per cent) are keen to “spice up” their weekly lunches.
Four in 10 said they’d be willing to try an unusual topping if they saw it in an advert.
‘Flaming’ hot crisps emerged as a popular choice, with 22 per cent of Londoners wanting to try them on tomato soup.
A quarter (25 per cent) said they would try cornflakes on broccoli and stilton soup, and a fifth (20 per cent) said they’d be open to adding chocolate to mixed bean chilli soup.
Ben Jones is recommending three bold combinations for National Soup Month, based on trending searches and public votes:
- Cornflake Crunch Broc & Stilton (Broccoli & Stilton soup topped with cornflakes)
- ‘Flaming’ Hot Tomato Soup (Cream of Tomato topped with ‘flaming’ hot crisps of your choice)
- Chocolate Mixed Bean Chilli (Mixed Bean Chilli soup topped with chocolate or cocoa powder)
Crosse & Blackwell is encouraging Londoners to try the pairings and share their favourites on social media.
The feedback will help shape potential new products.
The soupy experimentation is being celebrated throughout National Soup Month, with Londoners invited to take part and cast their vote for the most mouth-watering combination.
More information is available on the Crosse & Blackwell Instagram page.
Those who want to take part can share their own creations by tagging @crosseandblackwell_uk for a chance to have their ideas featured.
