One in three Brits eat what they don't like purely for nutritional benefits (original) (raw)

Gen Z tend to prioritise nutrition over taste - and dislike almost a quarter of their meals

A survey of 2,000 adults found that those in the 18-24 age bracket were most likely to consume foods they didn't like purely for the nutritional benefits they provided

The majority of Gen Z use social media as their health guide

A study of 2,000 adults has found that Gen Z are the most likely to gulp down green smoothies and raw eggs in a bid to boost their protein intake.

However, it highlighted that Gen Z are also the most confused about what constitutes a balanced diet, with 40% unsure and 19% admitting to poor nutritional knowledge and the majority (64%) using social media as their health guide.

Interestingly, the average Gen Z member doesn't enjoy 23% of their meals, prioritising health over taste. In contrast, those aged 65 and over are more likely to put food enjoyment first and worry less about its contents.

Warburtons' protein range, which commissioned the research, has partnered with 2023's sport personality of the year, Mary Earps MBE, to simplify protein and highlight how easy it is to meet protein targets.

Mary commented: "People spend so much time and effort trying to consume as much protein as possible without prioritising taste. For me, it's a no brainer; if I had the choice between eating raw eggs or a protein packed bagel, I know which one I'd choose for lunch."

"It's important to have a balanced diet to fuel the body and achieve as much as possible - physically and mentally - but it should never come at the expense of personal enjoyment."

"Properly feeding yourself doesn't have to be complicated, it can be quick and delicious, so you can put those hours that would have been spent overcomplicating your diet to keeping those balls out the net instead."

The study found 18% don't like protein shakes, with a quarter of those claiming they feel disgusted when drinking one and 11% said it feels like a chore. (

Image:

Neil Flitcroft)

The study also found 18% don't like protein shakes, with a quarter of those claiming they feel disgusted when drinking one, while 11% said it feels like a chore.

And 45% find protein generally confusing as there are too many different health claims (38%) or conflicting information on how much to consume (33%).

It emerged 61% 55-64 year olds are most clear on what makes up a balanced diet and a quarter of them would rate their knowledge on nutrition as either good or excellent. But 27% of all adults admitted they had still followed diet trends in the past, with 37% regretting it afterwards.

According to the study, via OnePoll.com, the younger generation were also most guilty of eating a meal to seem like they're healthy in front of others, even though they didn't really like it.

Jonathan Warburton, from the bread making company, said, "The research shows people think boosting things like protein comes at the expense of taste, and that absolutely doesn't need to be the case."

"We want people to meet their goals without having to sacrifice some of life's delicious pleasures, which is why it's important to pick delicious, easy and quick food to fuel up and feel good."

"We're thrilled to have Mary Earps as our new protein ambassador. We know she'll help inspire others to rise to their best with our tasty protein-packed products."