Only 11% of Scots say healthy eating is key

People more likely to eat unhealthily at weekends, but younger generation pay more attention to their diet

Scots are more likely to eat unhealthily at weekends and only 11% consider healthy eating to be important to them, according to a survey.

The figure is the lowest of all the UK regions in the poll by PwC, with a further 6% admitting they never think about healthy eating.

Among the 18 to 34 age group, almost half (45%) said they are eating more healthily than last year, however.

The figure drops to 41% among 35 to 54-year-olds and 20% for the over-55s.

The survey of 1,000 UK residents found that overall, healthy eating is moving up the agenda, particularly among those born in the 1980s and 90s.

UK-wide, 20% of respondents said healthy eating was always important to them and 47% of 18 to 34-year-olds said they are eating more healthily than last year.

This figure falls to 35% for 35 to 54-year-olds and 23% for people aged 55 and over.

Eleanor Scott, director at PwC, said: “Most people want to mix and match, balancing healthy eating with the occasional indulgence.

“Consumers are more likely to have healthy meals out during the week, driven by these being more everyday eating out occasions, and are more likely to treat themselves at weekends.

“In terms of eating out, 47% of all consumers consider it important that a restaurant offers healthy options.

“You can see many restaurants addressing this trend by adding a healthier alternative to their menus, for example, a thin crust pizza or a bun-less burger.”