Nearly half of Aussies (49%) snacked more during lockdown last year and, because of the pandemic, half (50%) started eating healthier to boost immunity, new data shows.
The new ‘Snack it Good’ report released by YouGov and Australian plant-based snack brand, Fancy Plants, looks at the way Aussies’ eating habits have changed since the pandemic. It illustrates a strong trend towards a snack-based lifestyle that prioritises wellbeing for both humans and the planet.
The study also found with 56% of Aussies are actively seeking out food and snacks with added nutrition, 49% are replacing normal meals with snacks, and a third (32%) barely eat full meals anymore and instead snack all day long.
However, the ideal snack for Aussies goes beyond just being ‘good for me’ and people are also looking for options that help the planet thrive. Aussies care so much about the planet that nearly the whole nation (89%) are worried about its health. A typical Aussie thinks about the wellbeing of the planet 2.3 times a week and eating plant-based is a common way people help.
According to researchers, the ‘flexitarian’ lifestyle has truly gained momentum and over one-third of Aussies (35%) eat more plant-based food now compared to three years ago, with the main reasons being personal health (55%) and the planet’s health (48%).
While Aussies’ appetite for plant-based foods is evident, it’s snacking where we fall short and nearly two-thirds (62%) of flexitarians admit reaching for dairy-based snacks when cravings hit, like a yoghurt pot or chocolate bar.
The key reason for this is because many (73%) of flexitarians struggle to find affordable plant-based snacks that are both tasty and nutritious.
Nutritionist and ambassador for Fancy Plants, Leanne Ward, is not surprised that Australians have turned to a flexitarian lifestyle
as she says a plant-based diet is not only good for the planet but also helps improve gut health.
“You don’t need to be vegetarian or vegan to eat plant-based – anyone can enjoy both the nutritional benefits and the delicious
taste of plants while at the same time helping the planet thrive,” Ms Ward says.
“When it comes to good gut health, one of the best things we can do is to incorporate a diversity of plants into our diet. We are all looking to achieve a healthy gut right now because the bulk of our immune system is located in our gut. Considering the state of our world today, gut health has become more important than ever,” she says.
“At least 30 different plants a week is required for good gut health with a focus on naturally occurring prebiotics and probiotics.”
According to the research, the lack of good, plant-based snacks is making Aussies feel guilty, with over half (54%) flexitarians say they feel bad when they eat animal-based snacks and 86% wish they could find tasty snacks that are healthy for them and the planet. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of the nations’ planet-loving foodies are actively looking for brands that share their views and can help them improve the planet’s health. More than half (62%) are even willing to pay more for food that lowers their environmental impact.
