According to the report „Healthy eating according to Poles 2024”1, Poles most commonly associate eating healthy with eating plenty of vegetables and fruit. More than one in three people see it as avoiding ‚chemicals’, processed foods, drinking plenty of fluids or limiting sugar. Consequently, Poles are making changes to their menus, increasing hydration, fruit and vegetable intake, limiting sugar and the consumption of processed foods. They are choosing plant-based products or those with extra fibre content. And all with the aim of providing the body with essential nutrients to support brain function and improve mood. On the other hand, products that can cause blood sugar fluctuations, inflammation, irritation or fatigue are eliminated from the menu.
Poles’ approach to healthy eating
Healthy eating is important to the majority of Poles. This was confirmed by as many as 80% of respondents in the Inquiry report. It is regarded as a completely unimportant issue by only 4% of countrymen. Among the main reasons why it is important, respondents most often indicated staying healthy – 53% of responses. This was followed by wellbeing (20%). Of lesser importance is losing weight and reducing weight – 9%, physical condition – 8%, appearance – 5% or doctor’s recommendations – 4%. As declared, Poles are already taking steps to put healthy eating into practice. 34% drink plenty of fluids, 33% eat more fruit and vegetables, 33% limit their sugar intake, 30% avoid preservatives, colourings and enhancers in food, 27% avoid processed food, 21% keep a balance and eat everything in reasonable quantities, 20% eat a varied diet. Among the ways used daily, Poles also declare that they pay more attention to the quality of the products they choose (20%), avoid stimulants such as alcohol or coffee (17%) and limit their salt intake (16%).
Following on from these declarations, Inquiry in its research also asked Poles whether they were currently following any particular diet. Responses in the report indicate that 14% of respondents are limiting their meat intake, but not giving it up completely. 11% have introduced a calorie-reducing diet with no restrictions on products. The same number of respondents follow a diet containing as many healthy products as possible, without restrictions. 8% follow a diet for people with diabetes, hypertension or other conditions. 5% follow a weight loss diet, according to the recipes provided. Also 5% follow a meat-free diet, allowing fish and seafood. 4% have implemented a vegetarian diet, 4% exclude dairy, 3% a vegan diet, 3% a boxed diet and 3% a gluten-free diet.
Many people have plans to go on a diet, and the most popular are those for weight-loss – indicated by 34% of respondents. This is followed by those that reduce calories, without excluding any products – 31%. The podium is rounded off by a diet containing as many healthy products as possible, without restrictions – 24% of indications.
Unfortunately, certain factors sometimes discourage healthy eating. According to the Inquiry report, the most common factor is the high price of healthy products – 45% of respondents say this. On the other hand, 31% admit that the large number of different temptations can be discouraging. 25% note that unhealthy products are often tastier and 22% anticipate difficulties in changing bad eating habits. Interestingly, 19% indicate a lack of confidence in manufacturers doubting they actually offer healthy food.
In addition, consumers point to lack of information about what is actually healthy food or lack of trust in the certifications given to it. Accessibility is also an issue, with 11% of respondents citing poor availability of healthy products.
Popularisation encourages trends
More and more public institutions are promoting healthy eating. One of them is the Polish Chamber of Organic Food (PIŻE), which conducts educational activities encouraging the introduction of BIO products to the daily menu of children and young people, not only at home, but also in mass catering. She points out that this is a step that will positively influence more conscious and responsible eating decisions of future generations. As Krystyna Radkowska, president of the Polish Chamber of Organic Food, admits, it is the responsibility of adults to guide a young person through adolescence, to instil the right values, to sensitise and support them in their preparation for adult life. „If we skilfully, from an early age, teach children the importance of the role of the individual in the fight to protect our shared planet, the importance of making conscious consumer choices, we will succeed in raising a ‚Euro -Leaf generation’ – people responsible for the future of future generations, realising that there is no Planet B. Action is needed here and now,’ emphasises Krystyna Radkowska, President of the Polish Chamber of Organic Food.
Euro-Leaf is the label for organic products, a sign of good food that is free of pesticides, antibiotics and growth hormones.
Health has more than one name
Which products count as healthy food? Certainly, those that are the least processed, without preservatives or – as the case may be – sugar, lactose or gluten. The report „Healthy eating according to Poles 2024” shows that 33% of respondents buy sugar-free products and 21% buy organic and BIO products. 17% reach for lactose-free items, 10% with the Fairtrade label, i.e. produced according to fair trade principles. Gluten-free products are reached for by 9% of respondents, wheat-free by 8%, dairy-free by 6% and nut-free by 5%.
Meat-free diets are also popular, with plant-based products gaining ground. The choice of this type of diet is most often due to ecological, humanitarian, ethical, health or religious factors. Among the health reasons, the motive is to keep the body fit and in good general condition and to maintain body weight at the right level. Plant-based products are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants necessary for the body to function properly. They are already available on the market in many product categories, as substitutes for dairy or cold cuts. A study by Inquiry indicates that already 26% of Poles occasionally choose plant-based yoghurts and desserts, such as soya or coconut. Plant-based drinks, such as soya or almond drinks, are reached for by 23% of respondents. Meatless ready-made dinner dishes, such as meatballs, lasagna or cutlets, are occasionally consumed by 16% of consumers. Slightly fewer also occasionally reach for meatless pâtés, cold cuts, sausages, plant-based meat substitutes, vegan yellow cheese or vegan margarine. Plant-based meat or dairy substitutes are not bought at all by 45% of respondents.
However, among drinks, 100% juices are considered the healthiest. Around one in ten people consider sugar-free nectars and fruit drinks without added sugar to be healthy.
The fashion for healthy eating continues – a trend that will not lose its popularity. Healthy food shelves in shops are already a staple. The only thing to do is to update them in line with novelties and consumer preferences. One thing is certain – Poles have an appetite for health!
1 Report „Healthy eating according to Poles 2024”, Inquiry, March 2024, 5th edition of the study.
Poles’ approach to healthy eating
Healthy eating is important to the majority of Poles. This was confirmed by as many as 80% of respondents in the Inquiry report. It is regarded as a completely unimportant issue by only 4% of countrymen. Among the main reasons why it is important, respondents most often indicated staying healthy – 53% of responses. This was followed by wellbeing (20%). Of lesser importance is losing weight and reducing weight – 9%, physical condition – 8%, appearance – 5% or doctor’s recommendations – 4%. As declared, Poles are already taking steps to put healthy eating into practice. 34% drink plenty of fluids, 33% eat more fruit and vegetables, 33% limit their sugar intake, 30% avoid preservatives, colourings and enhancers in food, 27% avoid processed food, 21% keep a balance and eat everything in reasonable quantities, 20% eat a varied diet. Among the ways used daily, Poles also declare that they pay more attention to the quality of the products they choose (20%), avoid stimulants such as alcohol or coffee (17%) and limit their salt intake (16%).
Following on from these declarations, Inquiry in its research also asked Poles whether they were currently following any particular diet. Responses in the report indicate that 14% of respondents are limiting their meat intake, but not giving it up completely. 11% have introduced a calorie-reducing diet with no restrictions on products. The same number of respondents follow a diet containing as many healthy products as possible, without restrictions. 8% follow a diet for people with diabetes, hypertension or other conditions. 5% follow a weight loss diet, according to the recipes provided. Also 5% follow a meat-free diet, allowing fish and seafood. 4% have implemented a vegetarian diet, 4% exclude dairy, 3% a vegan diet, 3% a boxed diet and 3% a gluten-free diet.
Many people have plans to go on a diet, and the most popular are those for weight-loss – indicated by 34% of respondents. This is followed by those that reduce calories, without excluding any products – 31%. The podium is rounded off by a diet containing as many healthy products as possible, without restrictions – 24% of indications.
Unfortunately, certain factors sometimes discourage healthy eating. According to the Inquiry report, the most common factor is the high price of healthy products – 45% of respondents say this. On the other hand, 31% admit that the large number of different temptations can be discouraging. 25% note that unhealthy products are often tastier and 22% anticipate difficulties in changing bad eating habits. Interestingly, 19% indicate a lack of confidence in manufacturers doubting they actually offer healthy food.
In addition, consumers point to lack of information about what is actually healthy food or lack of trust in the certifications given to it. Accessibility is also an issue, with 11% of respondents citing poor availability of healthy products.
Popularisation encourages trends
More and more public institutions are promoting healthy eating. One of them is the Polish Chamber of Organic Food (PIŻE), which conducts educational activities encouraging the introduction of BIO products to the daily menu of children and young people, not only at home, but also in mass catering. She points out that this is a step that will positively influence more conscious and responsible eating decisions of future generations. As Krystyna Radkowska, president of the Polish Chamber of Organic Food, admits, it is the responsibility of adults to guide a young person through adolescence, to instil the right values, to sensitise and support them in their preparation for adult life. „If we skilfully, from an early age, teach children the importance of the role of the individual in the fight to protect our shared planet, the importance of making conscious consumer choices, we will succeed in raising a ‚Euro -Leaf generation’ – people responsible for the future of future generations, realising that there is no Planet B. Action is needed here and now,’ emphasises Krystyna Radkowska, President of the Polish Chamber of Organic Food.
Euro-Leaf is the label for organic products, a sign of good food that is free of pesticides, antibiotics and growth hormones.
Health has more than one name
Which products count as healthy food? Certainly, those that are the least processed, without preservatives or – as the case may be – sugar, lactose or gluten. The report „Healthy eating according to Poles 2024” shows that 33% of respondents buy sugar-free products and 21% buy organic and BIO products. 17% reach for lactose-free items, 10% with the Fairtrade label, i.e. produced according to fair trade principles. Gluten-free products are reached for by 9% of respondents, wheat-free by 8%, dairy-free by 6% and nut-free by 5%.
Meat-free diets are also popular, with plant-based products gaining ground. The choice of this type of diet is most often due to ecological, humanitarian, ethical, health or religious factors. Among the health reasons, the motive is to keep the body fit and in good general condition and to maintain body weight at the right level. Plant-based products are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants necessary for the body to function properly. They are already available on the market in many product categories, as substitutes for dairy or cold cuts. A study by Inquiry indicates that already 26% of Poles occasionally choose plant-based yoghurts and desserts, such as soya or coconut. Plant-based drinks, such as soya or almond drinks, are reached for by 23% of respondents. Meatless ready-made dinner dishes, such as meatballs, lasagna or cutlets, are occasionally consumed by 16% of consumers. Slightly fewer also occasionally reach for meatless pâtés, cold cuts, sausages, plant-based meat substitutes, vegan yellow cheese or vegan margarine. Plant-based meat or dairy substitutes are not bought at all by 45% of respondents.
However, among drinks, 100% juices are considered the healthiest. Around one in ten people consider sugar-free nectars and fruit drinks without added sugar to be healthy.
The fashion for healthy eating continues – a trend that will not lose its popularity. Healthy food shelves in shops are already a staple. The only thing to do is to update them in line with novelties and consumer preferences. One thing is certain – Poles have an appetite for health!
1 Report „Healthy eating according to Poles 2024”, Inquiry, March 2024, 5th edition of the study.
