British families can meet their "five-a-day" target for healthy eating without breaking the budget – despite rising food prices, campaigners said today.
A new analysis suggests five portions of fruit and vegetables can be purchased for as little as 42p a day.
According to the World Cancer Research Fund, the budget basket would include red cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, bananas and low-cost apples.
Kate Mendoza, of the WCRF, said the findings showed people should not cut down on healthy fruit and vegetables if they are struggling to manage their finances.
Ms Mendoza said: "We understand that rising food prices mean many people feel they have little option but to buy fewer fruits and vegetables.
“But while some fruits and vegetables are very expensive, our review shows that this is not the case across the board. Even if you were to only buy fresh produce, there are many where a portion is available for under 10p.
"This means that with a bit of planning it is possible to buy plenty of fruits and vegetables on even the tightest of budgets."
She added: "Other ways to shop more economically are to opt for tinned and frozen fruits and vegetables. These count towards your five a day and they also tend to be less expensive and keep for longer.
“But whichever fruits and vegetables you choose, it is certainly worth making the effort. There is strong evidence that eating plenty of a range of fruits and vegetables is good for your health and can reduce your risk of cancer.
“They probably reduce risk of a number of types of cancer, including cancers of the oesophagus and mouth, pharynx and larynx."
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