The research shows that just 7% of people know that they should be getting 30g of fibre a day, with the average Brit thinking they only need 12.4g of fibre a day – less than half of the Government’s recommendation.
This means they could be missing out on a range of potential health benefits that a diet high in fibre can bring – from improved digestive health to reduced risk of bowel disease or diabetes. The average Brit eats just 16g of fibre a day, with only 4% achieving the daily recommendation.
Eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, incorporating a range of pulses and choosing wholegrain options can all help people get to 30g of fibre.
Whilst nearly two thirds of people (65.3%) said they are aware that fibre improves digestive health and nearly half (49.5%) are aware it can reduce the risk of bowel disease, less people (35%) are aware that a high fibre diet can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The FDF has revealed that its Action on Fibre initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between the nation’s fibre intake and the dietary recommendation, has helped to add 1.5 billion portions of fibre to the nation’s plates since 2021.
Kate Halliwell, chief scientific officer at FDF, commented: “Boosting the amount of fibre in your diet is an easy win for your health. And food and drink brands are working hard to make it even simpler to do by developing recipes that help us all to get more fibre.
“We’re proud of the impact our Action on Fibre campaign has had so far, but many people still aren’t aware of just how important a high fibre diet is and there are only limited ways companies are allowed to highlight the fibre content of food. That’s why we’re calling for Government, retailers and health charities to work together with food and drink businesses to make it easier for people to choose a high fibre diet.”