Britons have already missed the window to hit this year’s healthy eating milestone, after eating too much fat, sugar and meat while falling well short on fruit and vegetables.
Saturday, July 25, has been identified as Britain’s “Diet Overshoot Day” — the point at which it becomes mathematically impossible for the UK to meet science-backed 2026 dietary targets, according to research by Lidl. The analysis indicates that the nation is consuming excessive amounts of foods high in fat and sugar, while healthier choices remain far below the levels needed to keep pace with internationally recognised goals for better and more sustainable diets.
Using figures from the Government’s National Diet and Nutrition Survey, the research found that people in the UK are eating only 40% of the fruit and vegetables required to stay on course for interim 2026 targets under the Eat-Lancet Planetary Health Diet, according to the Grocer.
The study also showed that wholegrain consumption is around 85% below recommended levels, while intake of plant-based protein stands at just 18% of the suggested amount. At the same time, Britons are eating 60% more animal protein than advised. Foods high in added fats and sugars are also being consumed at levels 60% above the diet’s recommendations.
The Eat-Lancet Planetary Health Diet was created by leading scientists through a partnership between medical journal The Lancet and the EAT food think tank. Its aim is to promote healthier eating patterns while easing the strain food production places on the environment.
The plan calls for a major cut in red meat consumption by 2050, alongside a much higher intake of fruit, vegetables, legumes and nuts.
While the final targets are still 24 years away, Lidl warned that current UK diets are not shifting quickly enough to reach them.
How Britain’s diet compares with the 2026 target
Food group – current position
Fruit & vegetables – 40% of target consumed
Wholegrains – 15% of target consumed
Plant-based protein – 18% of target consumed
Animal protein – 60% above target
Foods high in fats & sugars – 60% above recommended level
The retailer’s separate survey of UK adults also found cost remains a major obstacle.
Nearly half (45%) said affordability was one of the biggest barriers to eating more healthily and sustainably, while more than half (52%) wanted more advice on how to improve their diet without increasing their grocery bills.
Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, said: “These findings are a wake-up call. As a nation, we’re at a dietary tipping point, and we need a big shift in how we eat to ensure we’re consuming more of what we’re currently lacking.
“Our research shows people want to make healthier and more sustainable choices for the planet, but often affordability stands in the way.
“By highlighting how quickly we have overshot the Planetary Health Diet targets, we also hope to bring balance to Britain’s diet by working with retailers, policymakers and producers to make better food accessible for everyone.”
Elaine Hindal, chief executive of the British Nutrition Foundation, said: “A healthier, more sustainable diet doesn’t need to be complicated.
“Helping people understand what a balanced diet looks like while making those options easy to choose and affordable to buy is critical to building a food system that works better for people and the planet.”
Lidl became the first UK supermarket to align its sales targets with the Planetary Health Diet last year and is urging other retailers, food producers and ministers to work together to make healthier food easier to buy and more affordable.
