Junk a hip pocket hit

AUSTRALIAN households are spending half their food budget on junk meals and soft drinks, according to research.

Analysis of the Australian Health Survey found of the 58 per cent spent on “unhealthy’’ foods, 14 per cent went on takeaways and 4 per cent on sugar-sweetened beverages.

Public health expert and dietitian Professor Amanda Lee said the findings are worrying given poor diet is a leading cause of preventable illness. “Less than 4 per cent of Australians eat adequate quantities of healthy foods,’’ she said.