Fruit and vegetable consumption

Proportion of the population reporting consumption of fruit and vegetables in a specified time period.

Often reported as:

Proportion of the population who report eating fruits and vegetables five or more times per day.

This indicator is measured in the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). Survey respondents are asked:

In the past 30 days, how many times did you eat the following fruits and vegetables?

In responding to this question, respondents denote the frequency per day, per week, or per month at which they consumed:

• 100% pure fruit juice,
• fruits,
• dark green vegetables,
• orange-coloured vegetables,
• starchy vegetables, and
• other vegetables

This includes frozen or canned fruits and vegetables and dried fruit but excludes fried potatoes.

This information is used to derive the usual number of times (frequency) a person reported consuming fruits and vegetables within a specific time period. This measure does not take into account the amount consumed.

• Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)
• Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (CHSCY)
• Canadian Veteran Health Survey (CVHS)

For products related to fruit and vegetable consumption, including data tables, data visualizations, articles, and other product types see Analytical releases: Fruit and vegetable consumption or view all analytical releases.

This indicator aligns with the following frameworks:

• Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) for the Sustainable Development Goals
  • CIF Indicator 3.1.1 – Percentage of Canadians who report eating fruits and vegetables 5 or more times per day