children eating fruit

Less than ten per cent of UK children get their 5 A Day, according to a new survey commissioned by children’s snack brand Fruit Bowl.

The survey shows that despite government campaigns and increasing awareness around the benefits of a healthy, balanced diet, parents are still struggling to get their children to eat enough fruit and veg.

Only nine per cent of children aged 12 and under currently eat five pieces a day, every day, while 11 per cent never hit the 5 A Day target. On average, UK children in this age group eat just 2.9 portions of fruit and veg daily.

The findings are supported by a recent Mintel survey which showed that half of parents who buy snacks for childrenagree it is hard to get them to eat healthier snacks.

In addition, a recentreportfrom The Lancet has recommended moving towards a flexitarian diet, reducing red meat consumption by more than 50 per cent, and doubling the current average intake of nuts, fruits, vegetables and legumes.

Fruit Bowl commissioned its survey to highlight the difficulties parents face in helping their children get closer to the daily five a day target.

While the research showed that most parents know the government’s guidelines, 45 per centstruggleto get their children to eat fruit, instead giving them twoor more unhealthy snacks a day. As a result, some38 per cent of children under 12 only eattwoof their 5 A Day or less.

Somewhat predictably, apples, bananas and strawberries were revealed to be children’s favourite fruits. However, it was also shown that 13 per cent of parents regularly bribe their children to eat fruit.

Social media influencer Honest Mum, who has 170,000 followers across various platforms, said:“When trying to feed my children, I’ve always tried to help them have a varied, nutritious diet but there are so many obstacles such as fussy eaters and unhealthy temptations.

“This survey shows that I’m not alone in my struggles. The main challenges show that parents suffer from a lack of time and equally struggle to find tasty treats children want to eat.”

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