Family food statistics
Annual statistics about food and drink purchases in the UK.
Family Food is an annual publication. It is the source of detailed statistical information on purchased quantities and expenditure derived from both household and eating out food and drink. Data is collected for a sample of households in the United Kingdom using self-reported diaries supported by till receipts of all purchases, including food eaten out, over a two week period. Where possible quantities are recorded in the diaries but otherwise estimated. Current estimates are based on data collected in the Family Food Module of the Living Costs and Food Survey and on adjusted data collected in the National Food Survey.
75 years of Family Food
The 2015 survey represents the 75th year of Family Food and its predecessors. We have produced a timeline of interesting facts and figures about food and drink over the years. This can be found on the Family Food 2015 web page at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/family-food-2015.
National Statistics status
National Statistics status means that our statistics meet the highest standards of trustworthiness, quality and public value, and it is our responsibility to maintain compliance with these standards.
These statistics were published for the first time in 2002. They were designated as National Statistics in June 2011 following a full assessment against the Code of Practice for Statistics. You can download this from https://www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/publication/statistics-on-food/.
Since the latest review by the Office for Statistics Regulation, we have continued to comply with the Code of Practice. Using web analytics data we have identified the most frequently viewed and downloaded data, and reduced our reporting to concentrate on this. We have also switched to HTML publishing instead of pdf, in order to improve accessibility for more users and user devices. We have also ceased to offer pre-release access to enhance trustworthiness.
Archived information
Family Food was first published in 2002. Copies of the publications for 2002 to 2010 are available from the National Archive at [https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20130103031008/http://www.defra.gov.uk/statistics/foodfarm/food/familyfood/].
Historical estimates for 1940 to 2000 are also available from the National Archive at the same web address. These are based on information from the National Food Survey, the forerunner to the current survey.
Family Food Open Data release
Original data from the National Food Survey from 1974 to 2000 is now available as Open Data. Use the Family Food Open Data link below for more information.
Family Food historic reports
The original National Food Survey reports from 1940 to 1984 are now available. Use the Family Food historic reports link below for more information.
Related series
Documents
Updates to this page
Published 30 April 2013Last updated 17 October 2024 + show all updates
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Added link to the Family Food FYE 2023 publication.
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Uploading the Family Food Report for FYE 2022.
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Text amended to remove reference to nutritional intakes which are no longer reported.
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Added link to the 2020/21 notice, notes and datasets.
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Added link to Family Food 2019/20.
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Added link to Family Food 2018/19 report.
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Updated National Statistics Statement.
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Updated with statement on date of designation as National Statistics.
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Added link to Family Food 2017/18.
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Added link to Family Food 2016/17 page.
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Updated with Family Food 2015 link.
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Added link to Family Food historic reports page.
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Updated with Open Data link.
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Family Food 2014 added.
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Added Family Food 2013.
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Added a link to the new Family Food 2012 report.
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First published.