Fruit and vegetables can be cheap – charity

Research has shown that eating plenty of fruit and vegetables of different varieties is likely to reduce the risk of cancer, including mouth cancer.

Five portions of fruit and vegetables can be bought for under 50p despite rising food prices, a charity has said.

Even if people only buy fresh produce, five servings can still come in at 42p, according to analysis by the World Cancer Research Fund.

And if people turn to frozen fruit and vegetables for a couple of servings, it may be possible to buy five portions for even less money.

The WCRF carried out the research after hearing reports of people struggling to buy fruit and vegetables because of spiralling prices and lower pay.

For 42p, experts were able to buy five portions of fruit and vegetables from leading supermarkets.

“We understand that rising food prices mean many people feel they have little option but to buy fewer fruits and vegetables,” experts said.

“But while some fruits and vegetables are very expensive, our review shows that this is not the case across the board.

“Even if you were to only buy fresh produce, there are many where a portion is available for under 10p.

“This means that with a bit of planning it is possible to buy plenty of fruits and vegetables on even the tightest of budgets.

“We have developed a list of five portions for 42p to illustrate the point that if people shop smartly then eating enough fruits and vegetables does not have to mean putting a strain on your finances.

“This is not to say, of course, that it will be possible to get five portions for under 50p every time you go to the supermarket, or that people should eat the same produce every day.

“But we hope our list of five portions does inspire people to think about creative ways they can eat fruits and vegetables less expensively.

“One way is to buy produce that is in season and that is seen as less exotic than fruits and vegetables that may cost much more but are no better for your health.

“Other ways to shop more economically are to opt for tinned and frozen fruits and vegetables.

“She said evidence showed fruit and vegetables helped improve health generally as well as cutting cancer risk.