Despite rising food prices fruit and vegetables are still cheap

We are all advised to eat five portions of fruit and veg every day, but due to the recession and rising food prices people may be struggling to afford the recommended extras.

However, a charity has found that we can all enjoy our ‘five-a-day’ for as little as 42 pence every day.

After hearing people were choosing not to buy fruit and veg during the recession, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) carried out an in depth analysis of food prices.

Previously, research has shown that eating a variety of fruit and vegetables has numerous health benefits, in particular reducing the risk of cancer.

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Kate Mendoza, head of education for the WCRF, said: “They probably reduce risk of a number of types of cancer, including cancers of the oesophagus and mouth, pharynx and larynx.”

“People who eat plenty of fruits and vegetables are also less likely to be overweight, which is an important cancer risk factor.”

The WCRF found that we could enjoy a daily diet which included red cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, apples and bananas for a very minimal cost.

The study looked at fresh food bought from leading supermarkets in the UK, but it is thought that if people integrated a couple of servings of frozen fruit or veg into their diet, it could be even cheaper than 42p.

The list that the experts were able to buy for 42p included:
• Tesco red cabbage (64p for 650g or 8p per portion);
• Sainsbury's Basics carrots (50p for 1k, or 4p per portion);
• Sainsbury's Basics tomatoes (72p for 450g or 13p per portion);
• Asda bananas (7p per portion) and
• Asda Smart Price apples (10p per portion).

Kate said: “We understand that rising food prices mean many people feel they have little option but to buy fewer fruits and vegetables.”

“But while some fruits and vegetables are very expensive, our review shows that this is not the case across the board.”

She added: “Even if you were to only buy fresh produce, there are many where a portion is available for under 10p.”

“This means that with a bit of planning it is possible to buy plenty of fruits and vegetables on even the tightest of budgets.”

Kate elaborated: “We have developed a list of five portions for 42p to illustrate the point that if people shop smartly then eating enough fruits and vegetables does not have to mean putting a strain on your finances.”

“This is not to say, of course, that it will be possible to get five portions for under 50p every time you go to the supermarket, or that people should eat the same produce every day.”

“But we hope our list of five portions does inspire people to think about creative ways they can eat fruits and vegetables less expensively.”