UK Food Affordability Barriers Undermine Healthy Eating Nationwide

Recent research from The Bread and Butter Thing food club network underscores that affordability remains the biggest barrier to healthy eating, with 71% of surveyed members indicating they would eat healthily if cost were not an issue. The study highlights that demand for nutritious food is limited more by price and access than by willpower or education, and only a small fraction of low-income households trust the government's efforts to tackle food insecurity. While new government policies focus on nutritional transparency in food manufacturing, critics argue these do not address the core problem of making healthy food affordable, which also has significant implications for public health and healthcare costs. Alongside affordability concerns, summer 2025 food and drink trends reveal a growing preference for healthier eating and drinking, including low-alcohol beverages, though rising costs challenge the hospitality industry's pricing strategies. Experts also emphasize the importance of food safety during hot weather, advising to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to avoid foodborne illnesses. Additionally, awareness is rising about dietary impacts on health and aging, with ultra-processed foods linked to accelerated biological aging and antioxidants in hydrating foods offering protective benefits.