How to be nearly £1,000 better off this year

Published on June 15th, 2009

A bulging lunchbox could boost your bank balance, a survey reveals

·         86% of the British public predict a boom in packed lunches due to the gloomy economy

·         72% of people believe that making their own lunches would save them money

·         62% of 16-54 year olds are planning a healthier diet in 2009

The results of a new lifestyle survey have been released today, conducted by leading health food brand Kallo Foods, revealing a growing trend for home-made packed lunches in Great Britain.  The survey shows that 86% of people believe that we will see a return to homemade lunches in 2009 – particularly amongst 25-34 year olds - as we look to tighten our purse strings and take control of what are putting into our bodies. 

As consumers look for ever more ways to cut back during the credit crunch, 72% of people in the UK claim that making their own lunches rather than buying them out, would save them money, with 57% of 16-54 year olds admitting they would save between £6 and £20 a week if they made their own. This equates to a saving of up to £38,400 over a working lifetime – the equivalent cost of a lifetime’s gym membership (or 300 pairs of Ugg boots![1])

Further to that, more and more consumers are wising up to hidden ingredients in ready made foods, especially when it comes to high levels of salt or calories in pre-packed sandwiches[2] and take away food.  With only 14% of the British population considering themselves to be ‘very healthy’ but almost 60% of us looking to eat more healthily in 2009, it is clear that consumers want to take control over what they eat, as well as what they spend their money on.

These statements revealed what people are hoping to achieve through a healthier diet in 2009:

• I want to eat more fruit and vegetables this year - 64%
• I want to restrict the unhealthy food that goes into my body - 59%
• I will be looking to make simple food switches towards a healthier diet[3] - 55%
• I will be looking to eat more natural and wholesome foods – 50%

Kallo Foods spokesperson, Caroline Copsey, said:  “The 2009 forecast indicates that more people than ever will be making their own lunches this year, because there are tangible benefits:  Health-wise, preparing our own food gives us complete transparency over what we are putting into our bodies, allowing us to make simple food switches for a healthier lifestyle.  And money-wise, consumers will be continuing to look for ways to cut back on non essentials, such as paid for sandwiches and take away coffee.’

www.kallofoods.com/kallo

Customer enquiries:  consumerservices@kallofoods.com / 0845 6021519 (lo-call rate)

Ends

For press enquiries including product or calorie swap information, samples or visuals please contact Natalie Jeune, Holly Blake or Sarah Egerton at the Kallo Foods press office at Focus PR: 

kallo@focuspr.co.uk / 020 7845 6600

Notes to editors:

The Kallo Foods lifestyle survey was carried out by Tickbox.net.  Tickbox is a leading independent market research organisation.

2,004 adults were surveyed.  They all resided in Great Britain and were aged 16+.  Of this sample, 62% were women and 38% were men.