Over the last ten years, breakfast is the meal that has seen the most changes in Spain as more people opt for fruit over biscuits and pastries, according to a study published by Nestlé.
Fruit consumption with the first meal of the day has increased to 20%, up from 7% a decade ago.
Previously, biscuits and pastries used to be the second and third most popular breakfast items among Spaniards. Currently, only 14% opt for these items.
Toast with coffee, milk or other alternatives to milk is still the most popular breakfast food among Spaniards (34%), according to the study.
The findings are part of the tenth edition of Nestlé Observatory of Nutritional Habits and Lifestyle of Families.
Laura González, head of nutrition at Nestlé Spain explained, "The Nestlé Observatory reveals an important change as more than half of Spaniards, 54%, say they have changed their breakfast in the last ten years and have done so by incorporating better habits.
"For example, the yoghurt bowl with cereal and toast with avocado are making a strong comeback. Their intake has more than doubled compared to the last decade, equalling the current consumption of biscuits or pastries."
Other Meals
A quarter (25%) of Spanish consumers opt for a single course at lunchtime whereas, years ago, they ate a first and a second course, the report unveiled.
In addition, the 25% that ate meat at lunch very often in the past now avoid it, 45% say they eat more vegetables, and up to 35% have added more pulses to their meal.
At dinner, more than 20% who used to prepare a traditional menu now opt for something quick and eat a light dinner, such as yoghurt or fruit.
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As for desserts, fruit is the main choice for 44% of those surveyed – thirteen percentage points higher than ten years ago – followed by natural yoghurt, which is the choice of 14% – five points more than ten years ago, the study noted.
Earlier, 20% used to choose a piece of cake or a pie to round off their lunch or dinner. This number now stands at 8%.
González added, "In this edition of the Observatory we see very interesting changes in habits, although there are others that remain the same. This is the case of snacking. More than 30% ate between meals a decade ago and today they continue to do so.
"It is a deeply rooted habit. That is why it is important that, if we do snack, we opt for foods of high nutritional quality, such as a handful of raw or roasted nuts or fruit. Both are very good options."
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