Dietary Survey of Vegetarians in Great Britain, 1994-1995

Background and Objectives<br> In October 1993, British Market Research Bureau International (BMRB) was commissioned to conduct a study for MAFF amongst the vegetarian population of Great Britain. This research was required to recruit a representative sample of 400 vegetarians and investigate their overall diet and intake of certain dietary components. The key objectives were as follows:<br> To obtain accurate and detailed consumption data by coding in such a way as to allow extraction of mean and extreme consumption of individual foods.<br> To identify vegetarians who are consumers of pulses, nuts, legumes, vegetables and fruit.<br> To provide information on the age, gender, social class and regional profile of vegetarians.<br> Participants in the survey were asked to answer a questionnaire about their dietary habits, including reasons for becoming vegetarian, dietary changes since becoming vegetarian and consumption and purchasing habits for different fruits and vegetables. They were then asked to keep a seven day weighed record of their food consumption. This involved weighing and recording in detail everything they ate and drank for seven days in a specially designed diary. On collection of the diary, a further interview was conducted which recorded details on the usage of mineral waters, dietary supplements, alternative protein sources and herbal teas.<br>