Diets and Nutrition

These two types of foods are the most consumed by the French. And that’s good news!

These two types of foods are the most consumed by the French.  And that’s good news!

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.

Eating a balanced diet on a low budget is possible!



Slide: Eating a balanced diet on a small budget is possible!

About author

I pass by being that person liable to duty, but who cannot resist the flights of imagination. I have always loved the legends, the myths and the stories of the old and distant times with my whole being. In high school I fell in love with the history of art and I made it the object of my university studies. Once I graduated, I dusted off an old flame: that of children's literature. I rediscovered the beauty and importance of illustrated books and books, where, to a quality text, images are added that give strength and enrich what is narrated with meaning. It can be said that illustrators often make real works of art! It was then that I decided to follow this passion of mine both as a volunteer, entering the ranks of readers born to read, and in my work as a librarian. I am a greedy devoured of illustrated books (I have an absolute weakness for the stories that have bears or wolves as protagonists!), I love simple stories that know how to strike and surprise. I hate pigeon-holed books in a specific age group and readers in a certain category of readings. I think everyone is different and deserves to choose (and be chosen by the books) without constraints, in complete freedom! [email protected]