A review of supermarket prices has shown that five portions of fruits and vegetables can be bought for under 50p, despite rising food prices.

The review of fruits and vegetable prices by World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) found that even if people limit choice to fresh produce, it is still possible to buy five portions for just 42p.

WCRF conducted the review following reports of people struggling to afford to eat fruits and vegetables because of increases in food prices coinciding with lower wages.

This is a concern because there is evidence that eating plenty of a range of fruits and vegetables probably reduces risk of cancer, which is why WCRF recommends people eat at least five portions a day.

The charity hopes the findings will highlight the fact that it is possible to find inexpensive ways of buying fruits and vegetables. And because frozen or tinned vegetables are often cheaper than fresh produce it may be possible to meet the recommended daily minimum intake for even less.

Kate Mendoza, Head of Education for WCRF, said: "We understand that rising food prices mean many people feel they have little option but to buy fewer fruits and vegetables.

"But while some fruits and vegetables are very expensive, our review shows that this is not the case across the board. Even if you were to only buy fresh produce, there are many where a portion is available for under 10p. This means that with a bit of planning it is possible to buy plenty of fruits and vegetables on even the tightest of budgets.

"We have developed a list of five portions for 42p to illustrate the point that if people shop smartly then eating enough fruits and vegetables does not have to mean putting a strain on your finances. This is not to say, of course, that it will be possible to get five portions for under 50p every time you go to the supermarket, or that people should eat the same produce every day.

"But we hope our list of five portions does inspire people to think about creative ways they can eat fruits and vegetables less expensively. One way is to buy produce that is in season and that is seen as less exotic than fruits and vegetables that may cost much more but are no better for your health.

"Other ways to shop more economically are to opt for tinned and frozen fruits and vegetables. These count towards your 5 A DAY and they also tend to be less expensive and keep for longer.

"But whichever fruits and vegetables you choose, it is certainly worth making the effort. There is strong evidence that eating plenty of a range of fruits and vegetables is good for your health and can reduce your risk of cancer.

"They probably reduce risk of a number of types of cancer, including cancers of the oesophagus and mouth, pharynx and larynx. People who eat plenty of fruits and vegetables are also less likely to be overweight, which is an important cancer risk factor."

Notes

·         The WCRF review found it was possible to get five portions of fresh fruits and vegetables for 42p by: Tesco Red UK Cabbage: 64p for 650g, which equals 8p per portion; Sainsbury's Basics Carrots: 50p for 1kg, which equals 4p per portion; Sainsbury's Basics Tomatoes: 72p for 450g, which equals 13p per portion; Asda Bananas: 7p per portion; Asda Smartprice Apples: 10p per portion.

·         Portions are approximate and rounded to the nearest penny.

·         All prices from www.mysupermarket.co.uk, which was accessed on April 12, 2011.

Source
World Cancer Research Fund