COVID-19 propels the UK toward healthy diet changes, British Nutrition Foundation survey flags

14 Jun 2021 --- Nearly two-thirds of UK consumers have made dietary changes in the last year to improve their health, according to a new survey commissioned by The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF).

The survey examines how people’s diets and lifestyles have shifted in the year since the pandemic began.

“It is great to see that one year since the pandemic began, many Britons report making an active change to get healthier and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” Bridget Benelam, nutrition communications manager at British Nutrition Foundation, tells NutritionInsight.

Marking Healthy Eating Week
This week marks the beginning of the annual “Healthy Eating Week.” The survey was conducted online by YouGov as part of the 2021 health campaign. BNF hopes to encourage individuals to continue to improve their lifestyles and well-being.

The week has five themes that motivate consumers to know the facts of the products they eat, make a healthier choice, plan and cook more nutritious meals, and promote an active lifestyle.The Healthy Eating Week takes place from 14 to 18 June.

“For the past nine years, we have been celebrating Healthy Eating Week to encourage people to embrace a healthier lifestyle,” Benelam notes.

“Each year, as we host the week, we create a set of free resources, activity packs and tutorials for our participants to use to support them in promoting and celebrating a healthier diet and lifestyle,” she continues.

To add to this, industry finds that the pandemic has led to people feeling overwhelmed by the changes needed in their lifestyle and diet. In addition, consumers in the US are wary of the impact that a return to normalcy post-pandemic will have on their health.

Healthier food options
Due to COVID-19, individuals are trying to improve their immune systems by leading a healthier lifestyle. Innova Market Insights’ top trend, “In Tune with Immune,” reveals three in five global consumers are increasingly looking for food and beverages that support their immune health.

The market researcher also states that COVID-19 has led 54 percent of global consumers to spend time educating themselves on items and practices that can improve their immune health.

The BNF survey also shows the rise of healthier food choices was found in one-third of people (33 percent) who state they have included more fruits and vegetables in their diets. In addition, more nutritious meals were cooked by 29 percent of those surveyed.

Additionally, an increase in water consumption was reported by 32 percent of participants.

The survey further revealed that 64 percent of respondents say they check nutritional information food labels when grocery shopping.

Similarly, 41 percent of people look at labels, particularly when purchasing a new food item.

Consumers seek information
As consumers partake in clean living lifestyles, Innova Market Insights’ top trend, “Transparency Triumphs,” reveals that three in five global consumers are interested in learning about their food source.Consumers are interested in knowing what is in their products, with 64 percent checking nutritional facts. 

This is echoed by Benelam, who highlights that “the majority of people report looking at food labels in a certain context, most often when buying something for the first time or depending on the food category being purchased.”

“When encouraging people to look at food labels to make healthier choices, being aware of when and why they do so may be important to leverage people’s interest in the nutrition content of their food,” she continues.

Last year, Kerry also noted that the pandemic has driven customers to become more knowledgeable about their consumption.

Meal prepping
According to BNF, advanced meal planning is reported by 69 percent of respondents. The meal planning usually takes place when organizing their shopping, with 45 percent of respondents executing this.

Alternately, cooking methods have changed since May 2020, with 57 percent saying they cook healthier meals and 21 percent finding more nutritious recipes.

Methods of cooking were also surveyed; 20 percent used healthier cooking methods like baking, and they avoided grilling and frying.

Additionally, the survey finds that 50 percent of the correspondents began a new activity to stay active over the last year, with 29 percent walking regularly and 12 percent regularly exercising.

The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the goal of a healthy lifestyle to the forefront, reinforcing interest in weight management and healthier lifestyles.

By Nicole Kerr