Australians Purchase More Fruit, Fewer Vegetables

Data for the 2024-25 financial year shows a decline in vegetable intake alongside a surge in energy drink purchases.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Vegetarian

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a full fruit crate beside an empty vegetable basket, representing Australian dietary shifts. — Australian households increased fruit purchases by 1.4 percent in 2024-25, even as vegetable consumption dropped to a seven-year low nationwide. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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During the 2024-25 financial year, Australians increased their fruit consumption by 1.4 percent while vegetable intake fell by 1.7 percent. This drop represents the lowest level of vegetable purchasing seen in seven years across the country.

Why it matters

The shift in purchasing habits reflects broader changes in the Australian diet as consumer interest in fresh produce wanes in favour of processed alternatives. These figures highlight a notable divergence in how households manage their grocery spending and nutritional priorities.

Australians purchased an average of 181 grams of vegetables per person per day during the 2024-25 period. Meanwhile, energy drink consumption surged 18 percent, marking an 80 percent increase since 2018-19.

The details

Total food and non-alcoholic beverage purchases reached 15.6 million tonnes as shoppers bought fewer staples such as bread rolls and processed meats. Among produce, avocado purchases fell by 12 percent, while pumpkin and pea or bean sales declined by 8 and 7 percent, respectively.

The data reflects purchases made throughout the 2024-25 financial year.
Energy drink consumption has been trending upward since 2018-19.

Culture Shift

The rise in energy drink consumption contrasts with the Australian Dietary Guidelines for vegetable intake, which recommend higher daily servings for optimal health. The current purchasing data marks a notable departure from the targets set by these national health recommendations.

Shoppers may notice changing retail availability and pricing for staple produce as demand for items like avocados and pumpkins shifts. These trends reflect broader changes in household budgets and weekly grocery shopping habits across the country.

The takeaway

Maintaining a balanced diet remains a challenge as convenience-focused purchases continue to climb. Consider checking local market pricing to help prioritise seasonal produce over processed alternatives in your weekly shop.