Defra have published the latest results for the 2023/24 National Food Survey which shows huge changes in the British diet over the last 85 years, as global tastes and demands for heathier food change what is on our plates.

The National Food Survey has been asking around 4,000-5,000 families to record what they buy since 1940. Since then, British diets have changed significantly – with families becoming less dependent on bread. In the 1940s, households ate around 1.6kg of bread per person per week (two whole standard sliced loaves), whereas in the 2020s it is around 500g. Rice, pasta and other grains have increased as a proportion of carbohydrate in our diets. Chicken is now the UK’s most popular meat, however, before 1953 they were typically only used for eggs rather than eating

Among other findings, the data shows:

• Changes in household staples – Historically apples were Britain’s favourite fruit, until 1996 when bananas took over the top spot.
• The introduction of new food types – Throughout the 20th century, new foods became popular in British households, including soy and oat milks in the 1970s, soy protein products in the 1990s, and rice in the 1990s.
• The introduction of new kitchen technologies, allowing greater convenience and for the creation of new types of meals – The figures show just 10% of families owned fridges in the 1950s, freezer ownership was 25% in the 1970s, and around 40% of households owned microwaves in the 1970s and 1980s. Today’s data shows air fryer ownership is as high as 20% in the 2020s.
• Tastes for other drinks – Families are drinking more than three times (330%) more fruit juice in the 1980s compared to the 1970s. The number of vineyards in the UK has increased too, with 502 in 2015 compared to 400 vineyards in the 1980s.