Nine out of 10 Brits don't know the five food groups

Kate Ng
·Trending Lifestyle Reporter
·5-min read
The mature man is able to find his selection on the well stocked produce shelves in his local grocery store.
A large number of Britons do not know basic nutritional guidelines, a new survey found. (Getty Images)

The importance of healthy eating has become increasingly prominent among Britons in recent years, thanks to more open conversations about what we eat on a daily basis.

However, a new survey has revealed that a large proportion of the British public are not well-informed about basic nutritional guidelines that they should follow in order to maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

A survey of 2,000 UK adults by food box delivery provider Green Chef found that almost nine in 10 (86%) of Brits could not identify all five food groups correctly.

More than a third (35%) of Brits wrongly identified ‘minerals’ as one of the five food groups, while nearly a quarter (24%) thought nuts and seeds were one of the five food groups.

The survey also revealed that more than half (53%) of respondents weren’t aware of recommended daily calorie intakes. Of this group, 35 to 44-year-old Brits were the most knowledgeable about how many calories they should be eating a day.

When it comes to water intake, close to half (44%) of Brits did not know what their recommended daily intake should be.

Healthier habits, like swapping out sugary drinks for hydrating water, can help you live better. (Getty Images)
Adults should drink between six to eight glasses of fluids a day. (Getty Images)

However, women are significantly more likely to know their recommended daily water intake compared to men, with 62% of women giving correct answers compared to less than half (49%) of men.

Commenting on the findings, Lily Keeling, UK register nutritionist, said: "The findings of this survey highlight that across the country, Brits are in need of a nutritional refresher.

"Helping to understand the fundamentals of nutrition is crucial for making healthier choices and promoting overall physical and mental health.

"It is extremely important for Brits to have a general understanding of food groups and other key nutritional areas, to ensure that their diet choices meet their body’s needs, giving them the best chance to support their overall wellbeing.

"Taking control over our individual intakes and helping others to do the same is a step towards a healthier and happier UK."

The NHS states that the average man needs 2,500kcal a day, while the average woman needs 2,000kcal a day.

This can be different based on your age, weight, height, and how much exercise you do.

Calories are crucial as our bodies are able to extract energy from them in order to function normally.

You can check the nutrition labels on food packaging for calorie information, and plan your meals if you feel that you need to manage your calorie intake. Certain restaurants and takeaway menus also provide calorie information to help you make healthier choices.

You should aim to have a balanced diet and to get healthy calories from a diet that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables, starchy foods, protein and unsaturated fats.

The Eatwell Guide recommends adults aim to drink six to eight cups or glasses of fluid a day. Fluids include water, lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee.

You may need to drink more fluids if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are in a hot environment, are physically active for long periods, or are ill or recovering from illness.

You should aim to drink enough during the day so your urine is a clear pale yellow colour. Not drinking enough fluids can lead to dehydration.

The Eatwell Guide. (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities)
The Eatwell Guide. (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities)

The five main food groups you need to know about, according to the Eatwell Guide, include:

  • Fruit and vegetables

  • Potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, and other starchy carbohydrates

  • Beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat, and other proteins

  • Dairy and alternatives

  • Fats

These recommendations apply to most people regardless of weight, dietary restrictions or preferences, and ethnic origin.

A balanced diet consists of eating a variety of foods from each food group. Achieving this balance at every meal can be very difficult, but you shouldn’t stress about it as long as you try to get the balance right over a day or even a week, the NHS says.

The NHS advises:

Fruits and vegetables:

Aim to eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. You can choose from fresh, frozen, tinned, dried, or juiced. Fruit and vegetables should make up just over a third of the food we eat each day.

Carbohydrates:

Starchy food should also make up just over a third of the food we eat, as they are a good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients in our diet. Choose higher fibre or wholegrain varieties.

Protein:

Lean cuts of meat and mince, as well as fish, are good sources of protein. You should eat less red and processed meat such as bacon, ham and sausages. Pulses like beans, peas and lentils are good alternatives to meat.

Dairy:

Milk, cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais are an important source of calcium, protein and some vitamins. Opt for lower-fat and lower-sugar products where possible.

Fat:

Aim for unsaturated fats, including vegetable, rapeseed, olive and sunflower oils. These should be eaten in small amounts.

Read more about healthy eating:

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