An improved picture of the UK diet

Public data sets such as the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) are recognised as best-practice. They rely on self-reporting, and are subject to significant under-reporting. As a result, our understanding of what UK citizens actually eat could be improved.

This new pilot data set from WRAP and Valpak provides a new point of triangulation with which to measure UK food consumption. It has demonstrated the potential to provide a more up-to-date and accurate picture of UK food consumption than previously thought possible.

Expanding the data set could help to provide a simple methodology for the UK industry and governments to measure progress towards health and sustainability goals.