Healthy Eating: An Economic Challenge for 73% of Spaniards

Nine out of ten consumers in Spain show a growing concern for their diet, although only 28% manage to maintain healthy habits in their daily lives, according to the II SaluDiable Radar, a study conducted by Dia that examines the dietary trends of the population. This analysis has revealed that 73.1% of respondents believe that the high cost of healthy foods is the main barrier to maintaining a balanced diet. This figure represents a significant increase from 60% in the first edition of the study, published in 2024.

Besides prices, other important obstacles include the lack of time, mentioned by 30.6% of participants, and the reduction of promotions on nutritious products, cited by 27.6%. The perception of the cost associated with healthy eating has made the search for fresh products a true challenge. Although 78.4% of consumers claim to include fresh foods in their shopping basket, 64% believe that a diet based on these products is more expensive than one containing ultra-processed foods. This situation has led many households to take advantage of offers to save on fresh produce.

Grupo Dia emphasizes its commitment to helping consumers overcome these challenges by offering fresh and affordable options. Pilar Hermida, the company’s Director of Communication and Sustainability, underscores that maintaining a balanced diet should not depend on factors like budget or availability of time. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food also highlights the importance of promoting the Mediterranean Diet, recognized for its benefits for both health and sustainability.

The study also highlights a growing interest in nutritional information; 68.5% of consumers indicate that the composition and labeling of products influence their purchasing decisions. Additionally, 91% of respondents believe that there is a direct relationship between a balanced diet and their emotional well-being.

Grupo Dia has launched its “Eat Better Every Day” program to facilitate access to quality food and promote healthy habits. This commitment is reflected in an investment of over 175 million euros in promotions this year, as well as its ongoing collaboration with nutrition experts. The company focuses on fostering the local economy, working with more than 1,100 suppliers that represent 96% of its purchases in Spain, which not only supports local communities but also ensures the freshness and quality of its products.