French Eating Less Baked Goods

A study of French eating habits has shown consumption of bread and confectionary are on the decline.

French people are eating seven per cent less bread and potatoes and 13 per cent less pastries and biscuits than a decade ago. Consumption of starchy foods are down three per cent and 18 to 34 year-olds are eating more processed foods or foods that need little or no preparation, such as breakfast cereals, pizza and sandwiches.

Meanwhile consumption of fruit and vegetables are up 10 per cent, with rice and pasta up 14 per cent.

The study involved 2624 adults (18 to 74 years old) and 1455 children (three to 17). It was conducted in three waves between late 2005 and April 2007, in order to show seasonal variety. The French food agency, AFSSA, discovered the results as part of the INCA 2 survey of the nation’s diet.