These popular health foods don’t count towards your five a day

Britons hoping to hit their five fruit and veg a day target have been warned about seven surprising foods which fail to make the grade.

Wellness experts from Simply Supplements have revealed foods which seem healthy but aren’t counted towards the five recommended portions.

The foods highlighted include tea-time staples potatoes, breakfast favourite fruit juice, fruity jams and nuts.

The experts claim only around one quarter of UK adults hit the recommendation for five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.

Misleading labelling can lead Brits to believe foods such as fruit jam and juice include a high percentage of natural fruits and therefore count towards their five-a-day.

Experts emphasise eating the recommended five-a-day total doesn’t have to be boring. They are offering nutrient-rich alternatives to foods which don’t count towards the daily total.

Samantha Greener, Wellness Expert from Simply Supplements said: “The inclusion of fruit and vegetables in many popular food items leads manufacturers to package them up as a health food and customers to naturally assume they’ll make up some of their five a day.

“There are some surprising foods like potatoes, fruit juice and jam which don’t count towards the five a day, although they are still important  as part of a balanced diet.

“Eating your five a day doesn’t have to be a difficult task, which is why we have identified nutrient-rich alternatives which allow you to reach your target.”

Here are foods which don’t count towards your five a day from Simply Supplements:

1. Potatoes

Normal potatoes don’t count to your daily fruit and vegetable total as they are eaten in place of other sources of starch, but they are still a great source of fibre and nutrients. Sweet potatoes have a lower starch content. Whether mashed, fried, baked or boiled, one medium sweet potato counts towards your five a day.

2. Jam 

Although many jams are marketed as being fruit-filled, most brands contain approximately 60 percent sugar and as little as 20 per cent fruit. For a nutrient dense alternative, try using real fruits in place of your usual spread, or homemade chia seed jam.

3. Fruit yoghurts

Like jam, it’s unlikely there will be enough fruit in these to class as a portion. They can also be high in sugar. As an alternative, mix your favourite fruit or berries into natural yoghurt.

4. Fruit juice 

Fruit juices are usually filled with a lot of sugar and are highly acidic. For unsweetened 100% fruit juice, a 150ml serving counts as one portion of your recommended five a day. Other juice drinks, such as squash and sweetened juice do not count.

5. Ketchup 

Although it is made from tomatoes, the high sugar and salt content means ketchup does not count towards your five a day . Ketchup can be enjoyed in moderation, but try switching your usual sauce for a reduced sugar and salt version.

6. Olives

Olives don’t count towards your five a day due to their high salt content. They can still be eaten as part of a healthy diet in moderation, and the oils from olives are a great alternative for butter.

7. Nuts

Nuts are considered to be healthy sources of fat and have health benefits, but don’t count towards your daily five a day as they don’t fit into fruit or vegetable categories. They can be eaten alongside other nutrient dense foods as part of a healthy diet.