FSS research reveals how Scotland ate during lockdown

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has published new Ipsos MORI-commissioned research, focussing on the public’s behaviour and attitudes towards food during the high-alert period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The online survey tracked food purchasing and consumption in Scotland for three months from May to July 2020, before the recent pub and restaurant easements introduced by the Scottish Government.

Results from the latest wave, covering the period 10 to 14 July 2020, found that in the last month, around a third (28%) of respondents said they had healthier meals more often. Additionally, 33% of people reported they purchased food from a takeaway less often compared to the period before lockdown, either directly because of cooking more at home, being concerned about COVID-19 or the fact they were looking to save money. In addition, 35% of people said they either bought less or no processed food, such as bacon and cured meats, but 37% said they snacked more on products high in sugar, salt and fat in the last month.

Source: FSS, 10 August 2020