WHAT CHANGES IN OUR FOOD CONSUMPTION?

After a previous study in 1998-1999 called Inca1 (Individuelle nationale des consommations alimentaires), Afssa (Agence française de sécurité sanitaire des aliments) has just published the results of the Inca2 survey carried out between 2005 and 2007.

Meals continue to structure the day

The French are still in the habit of eating three meals a day, especially for the youngest (74% of 3-10 year olds) and the oldest (86% of 55-79 year olds). For them, meals are an expression of their attachment to family conviviality. The home remains the preferred place to eat with family or friends. However, 34% of 15-17 year olds do not eat three meals a day and 50% skip breakfast. This is also the case for 18-34 year olds with rates of 44% and 39%.

The influence of age, education and geography

The 55-79 year olds are more involved in the culinary preparation of meals than the 18-34 year olds who often turn to processed foods or foods that require little preparation time. Older people eat more raw products (eggs, fish, fruit, vegetables) and continue to eat traditional foods (bread, cheese, soup, coffee). Families with a high level of education consume more seafood, vegetables, fresh fruit, pastries, dairy products, oil and water. In contrast, families with a low level of education eat more pasta, butter, potatoes, cold cuts, sandwiches and mixed dishes.

Despite globalisation, regional eating habits are still strongly rooted. In the north of France, people eat more potatoes, sweet foods, butter and margarine. In the South, the preference is for vegetables and oils. Between East and West, the divergence is mainly in dairy products: in the East, more cheese is consumed, while in the West, more milk, fresh dairy products and desserts are consumed. The tendency to be overweight and obese increases with age. It is higher in the North than in the South.

Favourable developments, but!

Since 1999, there have been some favourable developments: an increase in the consumption of fruit and vegetables and a decrease in sugary foods and meat. On the other hand, other developments are less favourable: a decrease in the consumption of eggs and milk (especially for men). Changes are noted: more pasta and rice, less bread, pastries and sweet biscuits, which are replaced by more chocolate and ice cream.

Overall positive assessment

The study on the nutritional intake of the French shows a positive overall picture. Adults and teenagers are eating more fruit, adults are consuming less alcohol and salt, and their energy intake is stabilising. However, there are still some areas for improvement: the nutritional intake of the adult population in France is too high in fat (39.1%) and protein (16.9%) and conversely too low in carbohydrates (44%) and fibre. Young people do not eat enough fruit and vegetables. Meals are becoming increasingly unstructured among 13-35 year olds and, finally, the level of physical activity remains insufficient.