How potatoes are preparednPotatoes were consumed on 10.5 billion occasions in the past year, down by 1.5% compared with the previous year
nOver 45s account for 43.3% of all potato consumption, more than any other age group
nSunday is the key day for consumption, with 17.2% eaten thenDented by low-carb diets but the choice of ... dietersSince 2002, potato consumption has fallen by 2.7%. This could be attributed partially to the popularity of low-carb diets, such as Atkins.
The key age group for potato consumption is the over 45s of both sexes, with 45 to 64-year-olds making up the bulk of consumption, although they are down by 2.7% year on year, in line with the overall decline.
They are the least significant consumer group here, but 17 to 25-year-olds are much more likely to eat potatoes than total carbohydrates. They are most attuned to dieting, but choose to eat potatoes on the few occasions when they actually do consume carbohydrates.
Potatoes constituted a third of all carbs consumed during the latest year. Practicality is the main consumption driver, accounting for 51.1%, as potatoes naturally complement many types of food.
Health is less of a factor, with only 12.5% of all potato occasions cited as healthy. This is much lower than for all other carbs.
With the roast being the nation’s second most popular meal, potato consumption peaks at 17.2% on Sundays. The rest of the week is fairly evenly split at 12-15% per day.
The evening meal is the key occasion for consumption with almost two-thirds of potatoes eaten at this time.
Gary Shaw, TNS
Produced for The Grocer by TNS.
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