How the diet evolves – the good and the bad

A survey suggests that children turn their backs on sugary drinks, their numbers having declined by a quarter over the past nine years.

About half of the children do not drink them, they say. And those who do it drink less than children in 2008-09.

This change has contributed to an overall reduction in sugar consumption.

However, all age groups still consume above recommended levels, according to the Nine Year Analysis of the British Food and Nutrition Survey.

Oily fish

But on other measures, the diet has not improved, says the report of the Food Standards Agency and Public Health England.

Fruit and vegetable consumption remains largely unchanged and remains below the recommended level of five days a day.

Fiber consumption has decreased slightly, while vitamin and mineral consumption is down.

And there has been little change in the consumption of oily fish.