New research from organic veg box company, Riverford, reveals that nearly half (47%) of Brits admit they rarely try new fruit and vegetables. 45 per cent try to eat a variety but end up sticking to familiar favourites, with carrots, potatoes, and broccoli dominating British plates.
This lack of variety could be holding families back, as experts agree that gut health plays a critical role in digestion, immunity, and even mental health, but families relying on the same few vegetables each week may be missing out on essential nutrients and fibre needed to maintain a diverse and healthy gut microbiome.
Almost nine in ten (86%) Brits are confident fruit and veg can improve their gut health. But only one in five (19%) feel well informed about the role gut health plays in their overall wellbeing, and experts warn that a lack of variety could reduce the long-term health benefits.
Families are taking notice, with (77%) of parents recognising the importance of involving their family in gut health. Half of families say they eat together regularly, offering the perfect opportunity to explore new flavours and ingredients. The biggest barrier to getting their children to eat a variety of fruit and veg is picky eaters (58%).
Over three quarters (77%) of people don’t hit the recommended five pieces of fruit and veg a day, with most hitting 1-2 (37%) or 3-4 portions (37%) and only 15% hitting the recommended 5 a day. Better access to fresh, seasonal produce such as a veg box (26%), more time (23%) and knowing how they support gut health (25%) would all make it easier for people to eat more fruit and veg.
68 per cent of people believe fruit and vegetables are the most beneficial to gut health, well ahead of products like Kefir (23%) and Kombucha (13%). Of those who purchase gut health products, only a quarter (23%) prefer them to eating fruit and vegetables.
Dr Camilla Stokholm, GP with a special interest in gut health, explains why diversity is essential. She said, “Your gut microbiome thrives on variety. It’s concerning that the Riverford research found nearly half of Brits (47%) rarely try new fruits or vegetables. Sticking to what we’re used to might be comforting for us but it’s boring for our gut bugs! They go wild for variety and want you to keep them on their toes by mixing things up. Small, simple changes – like trying a new seasonal veg each week or adding a handful of seeds to every meal – can make all the difference.”
The research also revealed Britain’s top ten vegetables – carrots, potatoes, and broccoli leading the pack – but also highlighted opportunities to explore less familiar seasonal options like leafy greens, squash, and fennel.
Top 10 vegetables for families;
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Cauliflower
- Brussels sprouts
- Peas
- Leafy greens
- Cabbage