5 A Day: what counts? (2024)

FAQs

5 A Day: what counts? ›

Potatoes don't count towards your 5 A Day. This is the same for yams, cassava and plantain, too. They're classified nutritionally as a starchy food, because when they're eaten as part of a meal they're usually used in place of other sources of starch, such as bread, rice or pasta.

Potatoes don't count towards your 5 A Day. This is the same for yams, cassava and plantain, too. They're classified nutritionally as a starchy food, because when they're eaten as part of a meal they're usually used in place of other sources of starch, such as bread, rice or pasta.

"Onions form the base of many dishes, so you may forget that they can actually count towards your 5-a-day," points out dietitian Ro. So onions do count as a vegetable, and not just a flavour enhancer. Plus, they're low in calories and a source of fibre.

One portion is 80g or any of the following: one banana, orange, pear or apple or a similar sized fruit. half a grapefruit or avocado. a slice of large fruit such as melon or pineapple.

Three sticks of celery, a 5cm piece of cucumber, a medium tomato or seven cherry tomatoes count as one portion. A portion equals three heaped tablespoons of tinned or frozen vegetables. Choose veg canned in water, with no added salt or sugar. Three heaped tablespoons of beans or chickpeas.

At a glance: what counts? 80g of fresh, canned or frozen fruit and vegetables counts as 1 portion of your 5 A Day (but not potatoes and some other starchy foods). For tinned or canned fruit and vegetables, choose those in natural juice or water, with no added sugar or salt.

Smoothies count as no more than one of your 5-a-day, even if you've put five different fruit and veg in them. And if you have a glass of juice on the same day, you cannot count them both.

Soup can be a wonderful way to reach your 5-a-day, especially if you make it yourself. Pack in the vegetables, lentils and beans to easily get two portions per serving. This hearty, low-calorie meatball & tomato soup counts as an impressive three of your 5-a-day and makes a substantial meal.

Baked beans

Any beans or lentils will count towards your 5-a-day, and that includes baked beans. Make sure you choose low-sugar and low-salt versions or you could try making your own.

Fruit and vegetables found within other foods and ready-made products, although they may only be in small amounts, still count towards your 5 A Day. For example, the chickpeas in hummus and falafel, the fruit in fruit yoghurts, the lentils in dhal, and the vegetables in guacamole and salsa all contribute.

Does potato count as 5-a-day? ›

What doesn't count towards your five-a-day? Potatoes, yam, plantain and cassava do not count, although sweet potatoes and squash do. The reason for this is that regular white potatoes and yam are often included as the starchy component of a meal, replacing pasta, rice, bread and noodles.

Although sliced cucumber, tomato or lettuce in a sandwich can contribute towards your 5-a-day, it's unlikely that there will be 80g of vegetables in your salad, which is how much you need for it to count as one portion of vegetables.

Tips for eating more plant foods

Pulses such as lentils, peas and beans all count towards your 5 A DAY. Grains and cereals such as rice, oats, pasta, bread, couscous and unsweetened breakfast cereals. Opt for wholegrain varieties and limit highly processed foods, such as cakes and pastries.

But the researchers warned that popcorn should be seen as a supplement to your five-a-day, not an alternative, as it doesn't contain the vital vitamins and nutrients found in fruit and vegetables.

10. Tinned tomatoes. For meals like spaghetti bolognese, chilli, curry or pasta bakes, use tinned tomatoes (or tomato passata) instead of ready-made sauces. It will help you towards your 5-a-day and can also help reduce your salt and sugar intake.

Potatoes, yam, plantain and cassava do not count, although sweet potatoes and squash do. The reason for this is that regular white potatoes and yam are often included as the starchy component of a meal, replacing pasta, rice, bread and noodles.

Olives. Due to their high salt content, whole olives won't count towards your 5-a-day. The oil they contain is part of the healthy Mediterranean diet, though, and is a good substitute for butter. Just don't treat it as a vegetable.

Consider mushrooms, sweetcorn and broccoli, and don't forget to add some tinned kidney beans, as these also count towards your 5-a-day. You can even reduce the amount of meat you would usually use and add extra beans instead, as they are a great source of protein and are cheaper than meat.

Eat a good variety of plant-based foods such as:

Pulses such as lentils, peas and beans all count towards your 5 A DAY. Grains and cereals such as rice, oats, pasta, bread, couscous and unsweetened breakfast cereals.