Hundreds of households stick to the same fruit and vegetables in their weekly shopping, an opinion poll has shown
Research shows that Brits always buy the same fruit and vegetables in their weekly food shop.
A survey of 2,000 adults found that a quarter (24%) never deviate from what they usually buy in their regular food offering – which is due to a 'force of habit' (37%).
While 35% simply prefer to cook with familiar products, 16% admit that this has to do with the fact that they are not adventurous in the kitchen.
And 43% feel “stuck” when it comes to coming up with more exciting meal recipes.
The research, conducted on behalf of supermarket Aldi, shows that almost seven in ten (68%) always buy bananas and potatoes, 63% buy carrots and 55% always buy some apples and onions.
Meanwhile, butternut squash, pomegranate, and eggplant are at the bottom of these lists, while things like kale, avocados, asparagus, and cherries also appear at the bottom.
Julie Ashfield, purchasing director at the supermarket chain, which has put together a range of recipes using different fruit and vegetables to inspire the nation's cooking this year, said: “It's easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to our regular grocery store, which is why many people choose to opt for the same products over and over again.
“We strive to make healthy and varied diets affordable for everyone, and to provide inspiration to help our customers get out of their comfort zone when cooking.”
The research also found that 24% of adults are bored by the weekly selection of fruit and vegetables, while 33% choose the same products all year round despite the seasons.
If they ever changed anything, 58% would only do so to buy seasonal products, while 53% would be tempted by a great offer.
For those who like to change what they cook seasonally, summer is the most common time to do this.
Spaghetti Bolognese, jacket potatoes and curries are among the top 10 'go-to' meals for Brits, with almost a fifth (19%) always cooking the same dishes every week.
Despite this, 56% want to be more adventurous with the recipes they use, and half would be more excited to cook if they had something new to make.
It also emerged that fresh produce beats frozen produce, as OnePoll respondents eat five weekly meals made from scratch, compared to two dishes straight from the freezer.
And the average adult eats their five a day just four times a week.
But encouragingly, 66% typically use up all the fruit and vegetables they buy.
Julie Ashfield added: “Our simple and inexpensive recipes allow customers to change their usual five-a-day intake by introducing new ingredients into their diet.
“Not only do we want to help people become more adventurous in the kitchen, but we are also passionate about championing our British suppliers, with a number of these recipes featuring home-grown produce.”
Top 20 most purchased fruits:
- Bananas – 68%
- Apples – 55%
- Tomatoes – 44%
- Oranges – 40%
- Grapes – 39%
- Cucumber – 36%
- Strawberries – 28%
- Blueberries – 20%
- Satsumas – 19%
- Pears – 15%
- Raspberries – 14%
- Lemons – 12%
- Pineapple – 11%
- Watermelon – 10%
- Kiwi – 10%
- Plums – 7%
- Peaches – 7%
- Avocado – 7%
- Mango – 7%
- Cherries – 7%
Top 20 most purchased vegetables:
- Potatoes – 68%
- Carrots – 63%
- Onions – 55%
- Broccoli – 46%
- Peppers – 37%
- Mushrooms – 37%
- Lettuce – 36%
- Peas – 34%
- Cauliflower – 29%
- Garlic – 23%
- Spring onions – 21%
- Cabbage – 21%
- Sweet corn – 20%
- Green beans – 19%
- Sprouts – 18%
- Sweet potatoes – 17%
- Leek – 15%
- Celery – 12%
- Swede – 11%
- Ginger – 11%
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