Hundreds of households stick to same fruit and veg in weekly shop, poll finds

BRITS always buy the same fruit and vegetables in their weekly food shop, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 adults found a quarter (24%) never stray from what they usually purchase in their regular food haul – putting it down to a “force of habit” (37%).

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While 35% are simply more comfortable cooking with familiar produce, 16% admitted it is down to them being unadventurous in the kitchen.

And 43% feel they are “stuck in a rut” when it comes to thinking of more exciting recipes for mealtimes.

The study, commissioned by supermarket Aldi, found nearly seven in 10 (68%) always buy bananas and potatoes, 63% pick up carrots, and 55% always grab some apples and onions.

Meanwhile butternut squash, pomegranate, and aubergines are at the bottom of these lists, with things like kale, avocados, asparagus and cherries also featuring low down.

Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at the supermarket chain, which has compiled a set of recipes using different fruit and vegetables to inspire the nation when cooking this year, said: “It is easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to our regular food shop, which is why many people choose to opt for the same produce time and time again.

“We are committed to making healthy and varied diets affordable for all, as well as providing inspiration to help our shoppers break out of their comfort zones when cooking.”

The study also revealed 24% of adults get bored of their weekly fruit and vegetable selection, with 33% choosing the same produce all year round despite the seasons.

If they were to ever switch things up, 58% would only do it to purchase seasonal products, while 53% would be enticed by a great offer.

For those who like to change what they cook with seasonally, summer is the most common time for them to do this.

Spaghetti Bolognese, jacket potatoes and curries are among the top 10 “go-to” meals for Brits, with nearly a fifth (19%) always cooking the same dishes each week.

Despite this, 56% are up for being more adventurous with the recipes they use, and half would feel more excited about cooking if they had something new to make.

It also emerged fresh items win over frozen as those polled, via OnePoll, will eat five weekly meals made from scratch compared to two dishes which come straight from the freezer.

And the average adult only eats their five a day four times a week.

But, encouragingly, 66% typically use up all the fruit and vegetables they buy.

Julie Ashfield added: “With our simple and low-cost recipes, customers can change their usual five-a-day up by introducing new ingredients into their diet.

“Not only do we want to help people get more adventurous in the kitchen, but we are also passionate about championing our British suppliers, with a number of these recipes incorporating home-grown produce.”

Top 20 most commonly bought fruit:

1. Bananas – 68%
2. Apples – 55%
3. Tomatoes – 44%
4. Oranges – 40%
5. Grapes – 39%
6. Cucumber – 36%
7. Strawberries – 28%
8. Blueberries – 20%
9. Satsumas – 19%
10. Pears – 15%
11. Raspberries – 14%
12. Lemons – 12%
13. Pineapple – 11%
14. Watermelon – 10%
15. Kiwi – 10%
16. Plums – 7%
17. Peaches – 7%
18. Avocado – 7%
19. Mango – 7%
20. Cherries – 7%

Top 20 most commonly bought veg:

1. Potatoes – 68%         
2. Carrots – 63%
3. Onions – 55%
4. Broccoli – 46%
5. Peppers – 37%
6. Mushrooms – 37%
7. Lettuce – 36%
8. Peas – 34%
9. Cauliflower – 29%
10. Garlic – 23%
11. Spring onions – 21%
12. Cabbage – 21%
13. Sweetcorn – 20%
14. Green beans – 19%
15. Sprouts – 18%
16. Sweet potatoes – 17%
17. Leek – 15%
18. Celery – 12%
19. Swede – 11%
20. Ginger – 11%

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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk