Percentage of UK population consuming five daily fruit and vegetable portions

The bar chart illustrates the percentage of children, men, and women in the UK who consumed five portions of fruit and vegetables daily between 2001 and 2008. Overall, there was a general upward trend in consumption across all demographic groups, with women consistently maintaining the highest intake throughout the period.

In 2001, women led with 22.5% consumption, followed by men at 17.5% and children at 12.5%. While children’s and men’s figures remained stagnant until 2003, women’s consumption rose steadily to 27%. By 2006, all groups reached their peak; women hit a high of 35%, while men and children reached 27.5% and 21.5% respectively.

Following this peak, there was a slight decline in the final two years. By 2008, the percentage of women consuming the recommended amount dropped to 30%, while men’s figures fell to 26%. Children’s consumption, which had climbed to 26.5% in 2007, also decreased to 24% by 2008. Despite these fluctuations, the final figures for all groups in 2008 remained significantly higher than their respective starting points in 2001, reflecting an overall improvement in dietary habits over the seven-year period.