More than a quarter of consumers are eating less healthily due to the cost-of-living crisis, a new study reveals.
The BBC Good Food Nation survey of more than 2,000 consumers found that 28% of consumers say they are eating less nutritious food because it is too expensive, with 19% reporting that they are eating more ready meals and processed food because they are cheaper.
In addition, the poll found 17% are cooking less from scratch and 16% are cutting back on organic food and ingredients because of the cost, 12% say they are eating less protein because of the cost, and 28% have changed their supermarket due to cost-of-living considerations.
Overall, 61% say the cost-of-living crisis has impacted their healthy eating habits in some way, including being more conscious of eating healthily because they cannot afford to get sick (18%) and eating less healthily due to stress (15%).
Christine Hayes, Editor in Chief of BBC Good Food, said: “The BBC Good Food Nation survey shows we consider ourselves a nation of healthy eaters and we care about what we eat.
“However, rising costs have impacted choices and compromises have had to be made with people buying more processed food and ready meals and swapping supermarkets to save money.”
The research also found that 36% of consumers are producing fewer leftovers now, with their reasons being to save money (59%); because they are meal planning more carefully (44%); and 34% saying they want to reduce waste to help the planet.
The four most common foods people throw away are salad leaves (31%), bread (29%), fruit (24%) and vegetables (23%).
