What types of foods do the French prefer to eat? What are their purchasing preferences? A recent survey reveals “made in Europe” food trends.
A new study from Harris Interactive and the Ministry of the Economy and Finance and the Taste Institute, published on March 5, 2024, focuses on the daily diet of the French. Rather encouraging results!
81% of French people rely mainly on fruits, fresh vegetables and starchy foods
The foods most consumed by the French are none other than fresh fruit, vegetables and starchy foods. 81% in total say they eat it several times a week. Among them, 44% eat fruits every day, 30% also eat vegetables daily and 22% starchy foods.
These three foods at the top of the ranking are followed by meat (red or white) which 64% consume several times a week, canned goods and jars (3%), fish (3%) and finally processed dishes (3%). .
We observe a slightly different trend among the youngest (15-24 years old) who say they consume less fruit (66%) and vegetables (72%) than the average but more starchy foods (89%), canned foods and processed dishes. .
On the other hand, young people agree with the majority of the population regarding the definition of a meal which, according to them, would be: “a meal with several types of food”.
A tendency to consume fresh and raw products
Among the generally favorable opinions, 88% of French people preparing meals at home say they use fresh and raw products very regularly. In fact, 95% of them say that they would like to consume more of this type of product if they had the opportunity.
For more than 7 out of 10 French people, eating fresh or raw products is cheaper than buying processed dishes in supermarkets. But only one in two young people agree with this opinion.
On the other hand, 85% of French people find it essential to know the origin of the products they consume, an aspect which seems less important among young people.
NO to diets, YES to WW!
Fast food and processed products appeal more to 15-24 year olds
While the total population seems to rarely frequent fast or themed restaurant services, French people aged 15 to 24 say they eat there more regularly than the average. 59% of them go to fast food establishments (McDonalds, KFC, kebab, tacos, etc.) at least once a month (compared to 37% for the general population).
Likewise, young people say that more of them consume meals or cooked products purchased outside at least once a week. In fact, they are 57% (compared to 42% in the general population). Moreover, more than half of 15-24 year olds say they do it at least once a week.
Slide: Eating a balanced diet on a small budget is possible!
