Three quarters of Brits fail to meet the recommended fruit and veg intake, new research has found. A study commissioned by recipe box company Gousto has revealed 75 per cent of people do not have their five-a-day, with 36 per cent stating the main reason is because fruit and vegetables are too expensive to buy amid the current cost of living crisis.
This is closely followed by 33 per cent of people who admit they do not know enough ways to get their recommended daily intake. The research also found that almost half (48 per cent) of the 2,010 people surveyed said they hadn’t eaten their five-a-day in the past month, with almost a quarter (22 per cent) saying the same for the past year.
It seems that Brits are in the dark about the guidelines too, with four in five (81 per cent) unaware of what quantity constitutes a portion. The study went on to reveal that there are a huge number of misconceptions about what counts as your five-a-day – with the following being the most common:
- Almost two in five (37 per cent) think potatoes count, but they don’t
- A quarter (25 per cent) think nuts count, but they don’t
- Three in five (60 per cent) don’t think baked beans count, but they do
- Over half (56 per cent) don’t think sweet potatoes count, but they do
- Only one in 20 (five per cent) think that pizza sauce counts, but it actually does
Whilst the research shows that more than half (52 per cent) of people who do get their five-a-day feel healthier for it, 75 per cent still aren’t getting the recommended amount. In response to the data, Gousto has launched a brand new 'Veg Table' range.
The new range comprises of 12 new recipes, each Gousto says is guaranteed to hit your five-a-day, from £2.99 a meal. Recipes include cauliflower steak, a veggie galette and a Middle Eastern mezze board.
Ellie Bain, Gousto’s Senior Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian, said: "Customers' tell us their most important health goal is to eat more veg, but it’s not that easy. It’s recommended that we eat five fruits and vegetables a day for a reason – they’re a great source of vitamins, minerals and fibre offering an array of health benefits from weight management and reduced risk of diseases."
The new range is available to order from June 13 to July 4. Visit www.gousto.co.uk for more.
