The research from Fry’s Family Foods shows that while sales have shown a continued increase in ‘superfoods’, Brits have little knowledge about the benefits behind the healthy choices.
The majority of Brits (80%) can identify flaxseed as a superfood, but over half (51%) have no idea why its classed as such and 78% are unsure why they’re drinking a green smoothie.
In addition, over half of Brits (53%) believe it’s impossible for vegetarians and vegans to consume the recommended daily amount of protein and 60% said they had not cut down their meat intake in the last two years, because they assumed vegetarians to be less healthy than those who eat meat.
A third of the Brits surveyed (31%) don’t actually know where protein comes from, while a further third (32%) could only identify chicken as a source of protein, discounting the likes of spinach, broccoli and hemp seeds, which actually have more protein per gram than steak or chicken.
Tammy Fry, international marketing director of Fry’s Family Foods, said: “It’s surprisingly easy, varied and delicious for a vegan/vegetarian diet to meet the daily recommendations for protein, as long as calorie intake is adequate.
“One of the most interesting things about protein is that the body doesn't discriminate between animal and plant-based sources, so the likes of spinach, broccoli, soy, beans and legumes are just as good – if not better – for you than meat.
“With no medical or legal definition as to what counts as a superfood, it’s unsurprising that we don’t always understand their health benefits. It is important however, that we don’t just follow the latest food trends but actually take the time to understand how and why the likes of kale and quinoa are valuable to our health so that they become an integral part of our diet in the future.”
Fry’s Family Foods produces a range of frozen vegetarian and vegan products.
To help the many confused Brits out there, online gift retailer BuyAGift has revealed its top 15 superfoods of 2016 and given tips on the benefits they provide.
