Family food statistics
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-06)

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.

Accredited official statistics status

Our statistical practice is regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR). OSR sets the standards of trustworthiness, quality and value in the Code of Practice for Statistics that all producers of official statistics should adhere to. Accredited official statistics 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.

Accredited official statistics are referred to as National Statistics in the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007. An explanation can be found on the Office for Statistics Regulation website (https://osr.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/accredited-official-statistics/). Since the latest review by the Office for Statistics Regulation, we have continued to comply with the Code of Practice for Statistics (https://code.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/). We have also made improvements to enhance the quality of this publication by improving quality assurance procedures. 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 from PDF to HTML publishing in order to improve accessibility for more users and user devices. We have also ceased to offer pre-release access to enhance trustworthiness.

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 here (https://uksa.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/publication/statistics-on-food-letter-of-confirmation-as-national-statistics/)

Archived information

Family Food was first published in 2002. Copies of the publications for 2002 to 2010 are available from the National Archive here (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
- food statistics pocketbook (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs/series/food-statistics-pocketbook)
- other Defra statistics (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs/about/statistics)
For further information please contact: Defra statistics: family food Email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

You can also contact us via Twitter/X: [@DefraStats] Defra Helpline: xx-xxxx-xxxx (Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 5:30pm)