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Nutrition in Northern Ireland

The FSA is responsible for some nutrition policy in Northern Ireland along with the Department of Health. To help develop and inform nutrition policy, the FSA commission research to understand what consumers are eating, what food they are buying and their thoughts and knowledge on healthy eating and nutrition. This research is shared widely with the food industry and consumers.

Research reports

Making Food Better Tracker Survey 2023

The Making Food Better Tracker Survey measures the progress of the FSA’s Making Food Better programme in Northern Ireland through the collection of robust consumer insights and the monitoring of this data over time. The survey collects information on consumer perceptions of healthy eating, healthier options and reformulation, the use of traffic light labels, knowledge and understanding of the recommended daily calorie intake and attitudes towards promotions.

Eating Well Choosing Better Tracking Survey - Wave 7

The Eating Well Choosing Better (EWCB) Tracking Survey monitors consumer understanding and knowledge of recommended daily calorie intake, use of traffic light labels, attitudes towards reformulation and calorie information and awareness of campaign communications delivered by the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland. This report presents the findings from the seventh survey conducted between August and October 2021. 

Northern Ireland Take Home Food and Drink Purchases (2016, 2019, 2020)

In Northern Ireland, the FSA has a remit for dietary health surveillance. We commissioned Kantar Fast Moving Consumer Goods Purchase Panels (Kantar) to provide data on take-home food and drink purchasing. This report explores purchasing in 2016, 2019 and 2020 in Northern Ireland.

The cost of a healthy food basket in Northern Ireland in 2020

Safefood and the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland (FSA) carried out research to estimate the cost of a food basket that is nutritionally adequate, realistic and acceptable for four low income household types in Northern Ireland (NI) in 2020.

Eating Well Choosing Better Tracking Survey - Wave 6

The Eating Well Choosing Better (EWCB) Tracking Survey monitors understanding and knowledge of recommended daily calorie intake, use of traffic light labels, attitudes towards reformulation and calorie information, and awareness of campaign communications delivered by the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland. This report presents the findings from the sixth survey conducted between June and August 2020.

Northern Ireland Take Home Food and Drink Purchases (2014 and 2018)

The Food Standards Agency with Kantar Fast Moving Consumer Goods (Kantar FMCG) carried out research in Northern Ireland (NI) to monitor take home food and drink purchasing. This data has been collated into a report examining key trends and identifying food and drink categories that are of concern to dietary health.

Eating Well Choosing Better Tracking Survey - Wave 5

The Eating Well Choosing Better (EWCB) Tracking Survey monitors understanding and knowledge of recommended daily calorie intake, use of traffic light labels, attitudes towards reformulation and calorie information and awareness of campaign communications delivered by the Food Standards Agency in NI to improve consumer’s understanding of healthy eating recommendations.

A survey on the nutritional content and portion sizes of cheesecake

The FSA and the 11 district councils in Northern Ireland carried out a nutritional analysis survey of cheesecake served in restaurants and hotels in Northern Ireland. The results showed that portion sizes are often very large with bigger cheesecakes containing more energy, sugar, saturated fat and salt.

The cost of a healthy food basket in Northern Ireland in 2018

Safefood and the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland (FSA) carried out research to estimate the cost of a food basket that is nutritionally adequate, realistic and acceptable for four low income household types in Northern Ireland (NI) in 2018.

Eating Well Choosing Better Tracking Survey - Wave 4

The tracking survey monitors understanding and knowledge of daily recommended calorie intake, use of traffic light labels, attitudes towards calorie information when eating out and awareness of campaign communications delivered by the Food Standards Agency in NI to improve consumer’s understanding of healthy eating recommendations.

National Diet and Nutrition Survey: Years 1-4

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) estimates food consumption, nutrient intake and nutritional status of the general population aged 18 months upwards living in the UK. Boosted samples were gathered 2008 – 2012 to achieve representative data specific for Northern Ireland (NI).

A survey on the nutritional content and portion sizes of scones

Key findings from research on sampled scones produced in Northern Ireland (NI) shows wide variations in portion size (g) and nutritional information (energy, sugar, fat, saturated fat, fibre and salt). The results will inform targeted interventions within the bakery sector, supported by technical expertise from academic institutions, to increase the availability of healthier products in local coffee shops, cafes and bakeries.

Food and You - Wave One

Information about the first Food and You survey in 2010, background, key findings and research reports.

Cost of a healthy food basket for households on the island of Ireland (Northern Ireland Research)

The Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice (VPSJ) developed Minimum Essential Standard of Living (MESL) and Minimum Income Standards (MIS) for a range of household types. Extending this initiative to Northern Ireland will provide data on food costs and socially acceptable food baskets which meet healthy eating guidelines and nutritional needs to provide valuable data relevant to food poverty.