A survey looking at the Dietary Intake in Scotland’s Children (DISH) has found that the dietary habits of Scottish children often fall short of essential nutrients.

The survey, which involved 1700 participants across Scotland, was conducted by the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems at the University of Edinburgh and Taylor McKenzie Research and Marketing on behalf of Food Standards Scotland (FSS).

DISH revealed that most children exceed maximum recommendations for energy density and free sugars with diets commonly falling short of fibre and other essential nutrients.

DISH findings

Key findings include: 

• Socioeconomic disparities are evident, with children in the most deprived areas consuming less fruit and vegetables and less likely to meet fibre goals than those in the least deprived areas.
• Food insecurity impacts nearly one in five families, with rates much higher in Scotland’s most deprived areas.
• Only 8% of children meet the recommended Scottish Dietary Goal for free sugars (sugars added to food and drinks, and those contained within honey, syrup, and fruit juice).
• Adolescents aged 11 to 15 consume diets significantly higher in free sugars and lower in fibre compared to younger children.

Heather Kelman, chair of Food Standards Scotland (FSS), said: “The findings from this report are extremely concerning, yet sadly not surprising. They serve as yet another reminder of our nation’s poor diet, with the very real consequences being felt now.

“A key question now is how many ‘wake up calls’ do we need before we start to seriously address this and take immediate action to improve our food environment and make it easier for families to access affordable, healthy food. 

“Foods and drinks high in fats, sugar and salt account for an unhealthy amount of our children’s diets. Urgent action is needed by industry and Government to shift the dial if we are to make real progress towards the Scottish Government’s ambition to halve childhood obesity by 2030. Without this, we risk jeopardising the health of future generations growing up in Scotland.”

“The food industry, policymakers and investors all have a major role to play in improving our diet and reducing diet-related inequalities, and the scale and urgency of the changes needed will require collaboration across all parties.”

Alana McDonald, senior public health nutritionist at FSS, said: “The findings highlight an important need to address poor diets in Scotland’s children and young people.  

“Although the survey shows that some children’s diets partially meet recommendations, the findings highlight critical areas that require attention, especially in reducing intakes of sugar and energy-dense foods while increasing intake of fibre, fruits, and vegetables, particularly in more deprived areas. 

“The food industry, policymakers and investors all have a major role to play in improving our diet and reducing diet-related inequalities, and the scale and urgency of the changes needed will require collaboration across all parties.

“Creating a healthier food environment by ensuring affordable, nutritious options are always available where we live, work, and learn is the most effective way to reduce inequalities, promote longer, healthier lives, and safeguard the health of future generations.” 

Professor Lindsay Jaacks from the University of Edinburgh said: “We are so grateful to the nearly 2,000 families across Scotland who participated in this survey.

“Findings suggest that younger children are generally consuming enough essential vitamins and minerals, but too much sugar and salt. Adolescents, on the other hand, are not generally consuming enough of some key vitamins and minerals like iron, and get about a fifth of their calories from discretionary foods like soft drinks and confectionery.

“There are many opportunities for the food industry to support children and young people in meeting dietary goals especially by reducing the sugar and salt content of commonly consumed foods like breakfast cereals, bread and yoghurts.”

FSS will host a webinar with the University of Edinburgh on Wednesday 5th February to present the findings of the survey, followed by a Q&A with representatives from FSS and University of Edinburgh. Sign up for the webinar here.