Fewer than 1 in 4 knows what makes a balanced meal: Study

Some S'pore parents also willing to trade off nutrition for tastiness in their kids' meals

- Anjali Raguraman

Singaporeans largely recognise the importance of eating healthy, but most do not understand what constitutes a balanced meal.

A new study has also found that some parents are willing to trade off nutrition for tastiness and convenience in their children's meals, so that the children eat enough and mealtimes are fuss-free.

These were among the findings in a national survey of 1,000 respondents aged 18 to 60 conducted by FairPrice Group (FPG) in April, which will inform several community initiatives that the group is rolling out.

The study, which involved an online survey as well as in-home visits for a smaller pool of interviewees, found that more than four in five here agreed that a healthy meal is one that is balanced.

A similar proportion of parents surveyed said that ensuring their children keep a nutritious diet is their biggest concern.

However, only 23 per cent of respondents were able to say that a balanced meal requires fruit and vegetables, protein and carbohydrates, FPG said when it released on Oct 3 the findings of the study conducted by NielsenIQ.

Seven in 10 parents surveyed said taste is the deciding factor for what makes a good meal, and that getting their children to not be picky and to eat enough was their biggest concern.

Respondents said giving their children food they like - such as nuggets, sausages and fries - would help them finish their meals without fuss.