Fibre Knowledge Gap: Brits Misjudge Everyday Foods, Study Finds
A revealing new study has uncovered widespread misconceptions among British adults regarding the fibre content of common foods, with many overestimating the nutritional value of items like white rice, cucumber, and chicken. Shockingly, a third of adults admit they never pause to consider their fibre intake, while nearly a quarter (24%) feel they have been actively misled about which foods contain this essential nutrient.
Overestimated Foods and Modest Reality
The research, which surveyed 2,000 adults, found that significant numbers of people mistakenly believe everyday items are packed with fibre. For instance, 61% think brown rice is a rich source, 27% assume the same for carrots, and 36% for cabbage. While these foods do contain some fibre, experts caution that their amounts are relatively modest compared to genuinely high-fibre options.
To put this in perspective, cooked brown rice offers approximately 1.8g of fibre per 100g, meaning a substantial portion is needed to make a dent in the NHS-recommended daily intake of 30 grams for adults. Carrots contain only 2.8g and cabbage around 2.5g per 100g.
True Fibre Powerhouses Revealed
In contrast, foods that are truly dense in fibre deliver significantly higher amounts per serving. These include bread, beans, lentils, chia seeds, raspberries, wholewheat pasta, and wholemeal wraps, which typically provide between 6g and 10g per serving. This highlights a critical gap in public understanding of what constitutes a high-fibre food.
Expert Insights and Public Perception
Louise Dickinson, a content creator and ambassador for FAB Flour, which commissioned the research, commented on the findings. “It’s time to ditch the myths and rediscover valuable sources in everyday foods to truly fuel your fibre goals,” she said. “Many people assume, and with some justification, their diet does contain fibre based on what they normally eat, and this is true. But it’s also true many people don’t eat enough fibre-rich foods to really feel the positive benefits.”
The study also delved into dietary habits, revealing that 33% of Brits base their food choices on what their body needs, while 41% are more likely to simply prepare something easy. Alarmingly, 18% described their understanding of fibre-rich foods as poor or very poor. Despite this, 46% of those polled expressed a desire to boost their fibre intake and eat more of it.
Bread: A Surprising Natural Source
The research took a closer look at the nation's bread habits, with wholemeal bread topping the list of favourite loaves, securing 38% of the vote. With 7g of fibre per 100g, it stands as a fibre-rich staple that many may overlook. Louise Dickinson added, “You’d have to go a long way to find someone who doesn’t like bread. And it’s also, for the most part, a really good natural source of fibre, so it’s doing you some good while you enjoy it.”
She addressed past misconceptions, noting, “Bread got a bit of a knocking during the period in 2000s and 2010s when everyone suddenly got scared of carbs. But it’s a really valuable source of fibre, and can also include protein and other vitamins and nutrients the body needs.”
Demographic Trends in Bread Preferences
The study uncovered interesting demographic patterns in bread preferences. Those aged 65 and over showed the strongest preference for wholemeal bread, with 52% voting it their favourite, compared to just 24% of 18–24-year-olds. Regionally, Yorkshire and the Humber residents favoured it most (43%), while only 28% of people in Wales did.
Following wholemeal bread, the next-most-popular types were sourdough (31%), multigrain (29%), and French baguette (28%). Other beloved breads in the top 10 included tiger bread, classic white sliced, crumpets, and ciabatta.
Additional Findings and Consumer Habits
Further insights from the research indicate that 25% of Brits prefer homemade bread over shop-bought varieties, and almost half (46%) consider flour and bread to be good sources of fibre. This suggests a growing awareness, albeit with room for improvement in accurate knowledge.
Top 10 Kinds of Bread in Britain
- Wholemeal bread
- Sourdough
- Multigrain bread
- Baguette
- Tiger bread
- White sliced bread
- Crumpets
- Ciabatta
- Naan
- Bagels
This comprehensive study underscores the need for better nutritional education to help Brits make informed dietary choices and meet their fibre goals effectively.
