Half of health-conscious Brits skip social events to stick to diets, survey finds

Half of health-conscious Britons are turning down social invitations in a bid to stick to strict dietary regimes, a new survey reveals. The poll of 2,000 adults found that birthday dinners and takeaway nights are among the most commonly avoided gatherings for those striving to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Four in ten respondents admitted to craving ice cream during the summer months, while a quarter said they missed indulging in weekend brunches. Many simply yearned for the comfort of eating after a challenging day.

The survey also highlighted a generational divide, with Millennials and Gen Z significantly more likely to decline food-centric social invitations than their older counterparts. The majority of younger adults reported having skipped social events to stay on track with their healthy eating goals.

However, seven in ten confessed that missing out on social occasions was the hardest part of sticking to their diet. Many agreed that maintaining a healthy lifestyle shouldn’t mean sacrificing favourite foods and drinks.

The research was commissioned by Arla LactoFREE, which recently launched a Sky Shakes pop-up in partnership with experiential food innovators Bompas & Parr. The initiative aims to prove that a lactose-free diet needn’t compromise on taste.

Laura Butler, strategic brand manager for the brand, said: “Wellness no longer has to mean going without. It’s important to find food and drink options which can be enjoyed no matter what your dietary requirements are, without having to miss out on the taste and flavour.

“While it’s important to many people to eat well, they also want food which feels exciting and worth sharing, which is what we hoped to deliver with the sky themed shakes made using lactose free milk and cream and crafted to be flavoursome.

“Certain foods and drinks become a part of our routine and habits, be it a tea and biscuit break or an evening snack on the sofa, it’s hard to stop these altogether so it’s important to find alternatives.”

The survey found that treats are difficult to give up because of the comfort and enjoyment they provide. Half of respondents said healthy eating is about balancing what they enjoy with what they feel they ‘should’ be consuming, with most emphasising the importance of a healthy alternative still feeling like a treat.

Aesthetics also play a significant role, especially for younger generations. Over half of Millennials and nearly half of Gen Z admitted they are more likely to buy a food or drink simply because it’s ‘Instagram-worthy’.

Ultimately, respondents said they would be more inclined to view healthy food and drink as a treat, rather than a chore, if it tastes indulgent, is packed with flavour, and provides comfort.

Laura Butler added: “Finding food and drink which can be enjoyed no matter what your dietary requirements are, without having to miss out of the taste and flavour, shouldn’t mean having to compromise.

“Everyone deserves to enjoy things which boost their moods and enable them to share the fun with others, from birthday meals to ice creams and milkshakes on a hot day.”