More than a third of adults tolerate foods they dislike purely for their nutritional benefits.
A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that Gen Z is the most likely to sip green smoothies and gobble down raw eggs, and is also the most focused generation when it comes to upping their protein intake.
The average Gen Zer prioritizes good for them over taste. Credit: GettyMary Earps is Warburtons’ new ambassador. Credit: SWNS
However, they are also the generation that is least clear about what exactly a balanced diet consists of (40%) and are the least nutritionally literate (19%).
Despite this, 64% of people follow what they see on social media as a guide to what is healthiest for them.
The average Gen Zer doesn’t enjoy 23% of their meals because they prioritize health over flavor.
However, people over 65 were more likely to prioritise the enjoyment of food and place less emphasis on what was in the food.
Warburtons’ protein line, which commissioned the study, has partnered with Mary Earps MBE, Sportswoman of the Year 2023, to demystify protein and show how easy it is to reach your protein targets.
Mary said: “People spend a lot of time and effort trying to get as much protein in as possible without prioritising taste.
“For me, it’s a no-brainer. If I have the choice between eating a raw egg or a protein-packed bagel for lunch, I know which I’ll choose.
“While it’s important to eat a balanced diet to nourish your body and achieve the best possible physical and mental results, it should never come at the expense of personal enjoyment.”
“The right food doesn’t have to be complicated, it can be quick and delicious, so the time you would have spent increasing the complexity of your food can now be spent on keeping the ball out of the net.”
The survey also found that 18% of people don’t like protein shakes, with a quarter of them saying they feel disgusted by the idea and 11% saying they find them a hassle.
Additionally, 45% of respondents feel that protein in general is confusing because there are too many health claims about protein (38%) or conflicting information about intake amounts (33%).
It was revealed that 61% of people aged 55-64 have the best understanding of what a balanced diet is.
And a quarter of respondents rated their nutrition knowledge as “good” or “excellent.”
However, 27% of all adults admit to following a diet fad in the past, and 37% later regretted it.
Among those taking part in the OnePoll.com survey, younger generations were also found to feel the most guilty about eating foods they don’t actually like in order to appear healthy in front of others.
“Research shows that people think that when you add more protein or other ingredients you have to sacrifice taste, but that doesn’t have to be the case,” bakery company Jonathan Warburton said.
“We want to help people achieve their goals without sacrificing life’s delicious pleasures, which is why it’s important to choose foods that are delicious, easy and quick to eat to help fuel you and make you feel great.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Mary Earps as our newest Protein Ambassador and are confident she will inspire others to perform at their best through our delicious, protein-packed products.”
