Daily consumption of fruit fell by a similar amount of 12 grams a day, equivalent to an eight per cent overall reduction.But in 2022-23, Australians only purchased an average of 186 grams of vegetables each day, down from 200 grams the previous year.
Overall, we purchased almost four per cent less food in 2022-23 than in the year before, as inflation and the rising cost of living placed increasing pressure on household food budgets.Potato chip sales have risen 16 per cent in the last five years, chocolate sales are up 10 per cent and cereals and convenience meals - which includes pre-prepared meals such as pizzas, pasta and sushi - are up nine per cent.
"Many of the foods that dropped during 2022-23 are part of longer-term trends," ABS health statistics spokesperson Paul Atyeo said. "We're consuming between five and eight per cent less cow's milk, bread and fruit juice per person compared to 2018-19." The research only takes into account what is being purchased from supermarkets and other retailers and doesn't look at what is purchased in cafes and restaurants.