One in six young people eat fast food twice a day, according to a survey of the nation’s eating habits.
The BBC Good Food Nation Survey found that most people eat fast food on average on two days per week.
But in the 16 to 20-year-old category one in six ate fast food at least twice a day, with one in eight eating the same among 21 to 34-year-olds.
The study of more than 5,000 people found that half thought “a meal isn’t a meal without meat”.
However, the same amount were unaware how much meat is a recommended daily amount.
The Department of Health advises an average of no more than 70g per day, which is the equivalent of two-and-a-half rashers of bacon, but nearly one in four think it is at least double that.
The survey found a fifth of men (21%) and 32% of 16 to 21-year-old men and women eat meat at least three times a day.
The typical adult now eats meat at least twice a day and has only six meat-free days a month.
Christine Hayes, brand editorial director of BBC Good Food, said it showed it was “easy to be confused about the amount of meat one can enjoy while still eating a healthy, balanced diet”.
She added: “Those who do eat meat can still cook a Sunday roast and eat the occasional steak when balanced with some meat-free dishes.”
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The survey found the average household spends £54.65 a week on food, about £20 on eating out and £10 on takeaways.
That is a fall from £57.30 spent on food shopping in 2015 – a difference of £137.80 annually.
It also found that 49% eat fresh food less than once a day in an average week, with nearly one in 10 eating fresh food no more than once a week.
Favourite meals
The poll also found that classic British dishes like as fish and chips and a full English breakfast had dropped out of the nation’s top five favourite meals.
The top five meals in 2016, according to the survey, were:
- Sunday roast
- Curry
- Pizza
- Pasta
- Steak and chips
However among the 16 to 20-year-olds the top five meals among were:
- Pizza
- Curry
- Pasta
- Burger
- Steak and chips