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The crisis has altered Greek dietary habits

Major changes in the diet of Greek consumers have been recorded for the last eight years due to the economic crisis, according to the results of a survey conducted by the Institute for Consumer Products Retail Trade Research (HELCA), in the framework of the World Food Day on 16 October,.

According to HELCA, the diet of Greek households has been greatly affected by the economic crisis, as the the type of food and quantities consumed has changed significantly in recent years.

Specifically, overall, a 21% decrease in market value is recorded, while estimates for volume-to-market decline are to the order of 15%. This is reflected by the fact that 19 out of the 26 food categories examined in the HELCA survey show a decrease in the quantity purchased in 2017 compared to 2010, while 20 of the 26 categories show a decrease in the value purchased in 2017 compared to in 2010.

Typical changes are recorded in related food groups. In particular, cheaper choices for protein intake, such as legumes, increased by 10% from 15 to 16.6 kg, and poultry increased by 9% from 36.4 to 39.5 whereas more expensive choices are declining, beef by 24% from 47.6 kg to 35.9 kg and lamb and goat meat by 25% from 13.5 kg to 10.2 kg. Similarly, a significant increase in carbohydrate intake from both pasta and rice was recorded by 14% and 8%, respectively. In a positive direction towards healthier dietary choices, a decrease in sugar intake by 44% and soft drinks by 43% is recorded. In contrast, the decline in fruit and vegetables by 23% and 20% respectively, as well as the reduction in dairy products, with a decrease of 14% for milk and 24% for cheese, and a reduction for olive oil by 18%, were also recorded .

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