Fruit & vegetables

We asked participants what fruit and vegetables they had eaten the previous day. This chapter reports on whether the general population is meeting 5 a day guidelines.

Highlights

Consumption levels

Around a quarter of men and women consumed the recommended five or more portions of fruit and vegetables.
16% of boys and 17% of girls consumed at least five portions of fruit and vegetables.
The consumption of five or more portions peaked amongst men and women in 2006 at around 28% for men and 32% for women. Levels have dropped slightly since then. There is a similar trend for children.
Children aged 11-12 and adults aged 16-24 consumed, on average, the lowest number of portions of fruit and vegetables and were least likely to meet the ‘5 a day’ recommendation.

Location

Both men and women living in London and other regions in the South consumed, on average, the highest number of portions of fruit and vegetables.
Adults living in London were most likely to meet the ‘5 a day’ recommendation.

Income

Higher consumption of fruit and vegetables was associated with higher income, and vice versa:

30% of men and 35% of women in the highest income group consumed five or more portions compared with only 19% of men and 23% of women in the lowest income group. The same pattern was seen in children.