A meagre 12 per cent of British consumers are eating their recommended 5 A DAY, according to TNS research, the findings of which were published yesterday.
Only one in eight of the population manages to reach the aspirational five-a-day target, while perhaps more alarmingly, another 12 per cent still do not eat any fruit and veg at all.
The British average hovers around the 2.5 portions a day; half way to the government’s stated objective, but the TNS study highlighted significant differences between age groups, gender and social class.
The most affluent and the over-45s are the most likely to hit the targets, with children and the less affluent more likely to consume no portions than any other group.
TNS uncovered some startling, and not unconnected facts about the nation’s dressing habits. Purchases of clothes size 18 or above have risen by 35 per cent in the last two years in south-west England, for instance. The under-25s represent nearly five per cent of the national size 18-plus market compared with three per cent last year, said TNS.