Brits always buy the same fruit and vegetables in their weekly food shop, according to research. A poll of 2,000 adults found that one in four (24 percent) never stray from what they usually purchase in their regular food haul – with 37 percent putting this down to a “force of habit”.
Meanwhile, 35 percent are simply more comfortable cooking with familiar produce, although 16 percent admitted it is down to them being unadventurous in the kitchen. And 43 percent 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 more than two-thirds (68 percent) always buy bananas and potatoes, while 63 percent consistently pick up carrots, and 55 percent always grab some apples and onions.
On the other hand, butternut squash, pomegranate, and aubergines are at the bottom of their lists – with products like kale, avocados, asparagus, and cherries also ranking 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 a quarter of adults (24 percent) get bored of their weekly fruit and vegetable selection, with one in three choosing the same produce all year round, despite the seasons.
If they were to ever switch things up, 58 percent would only do it to purchase seasonal products, while 53 percent would be enticed by a great offer.
But for those who do 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 percent) always cooking the same dishes each week.
Despite this, 56 percent are up for being more adventurous with the recipes they use – and half claimed they 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 meals a week made from scratch, compared to just two dishes which come straight from the freezer.
And the average adult only eats their five-a-day four times a week – but, encouragingly, two-thirds typically use up all the fruit and vegetables they buy.
Julie Ashfield added: “With our simple and low-cost recipes, customers can change up their usual five-a-day 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.”
