About

We have conducted a national dietary survey of children and young people (aged 2-15 years) in Scotland on behalf of Food Standards Scotland (FSS), and in collaboration with Taylor McKenzie.

FSS are the public sector organisation responsible for helping people to eat more healthily and Taylor McKenzie are a market research company based in Glasgow. 

The DISH Survey (Dietary Intake in Scotland’s Children)

Between January and August 2024, we asked children and young people aged 2 to 15 years, living across Scotland, what they eat and drink. 1,700 children and young people took part.

Key findings of the survey were:

  • Most children and young people achieved the Scottish Dietary Goals for total fat, trans fat, total carbohydrate and red and red processed meat. More information about the Scottish Dietary Goals can be found at gov.scot
  • However, less than 1 in 5 met the Scottish Dietary Goals for energy density, saturated fat, fibre, free sugars and oily fish.
  • On average, children and young people ate ~300 grams per day of fruit and vegetables, compared to the recommended 400 grams per day for adults.
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  • Young people aged 11 to 15 years tended to have less healthy diets than children aged 2 to 10 years, with higher energy density, a greater percentage of calories from free sugars, lower fibre intake, and fewer portions of fruit and vegetables.
  • On average, overall, intake of protein and micro-nutrients was at or above the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) except for zinc, which was below the RNI.
  • However, intakes of several key nutrients in females and males aged 11-15 years old was too low on average.
  • Overall, discretionary foods like confectionery, biscuits, crisps, cakes, pastries, sugary drinks, puddings and ice cream, were found to contribute ~20% of total energy and ~40% of free sugar intakes.
  • The contribution of sugary drinks to free sugar intake rose significantly with age, while the contribution from yoghurts and dairy desserts like ice cream significantly decreased.
  • About 1 in 5 parents/guardians reported being worried about running out of food due to a lack of money or other resources in the previous 12 months.

Further information

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