Your five a day can still cost only 42p say health experts

Even if people only buy fresh produce, five servings can still come in at 42p, according to analysis by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).

And if people turn to frozen fruit and veg for a couple of servings, it may be possible to buy five portions for even less money.

The WCRF carried out the research after hearing reports of people struggling to buy fruit and vegetables because of spiralling prices and lower pay.

Research has shown that eating plenty of fruit and vegetables of different varieties is likely to reduce the risk of cancer, including mouth cancer, as well as helping to reduce obesity, which is a key cancer risk factor.

For 42p, experts were able to buy five portions of fruit and vegetables from leading supermarkets. The list included Tesco red cabbage (64p for 650g or 8p per portion); Sainsbury’s Basics carrots (50p for 1k, or 4p per portion); Sainsbury’s Basics tomatoes (72p for 450g or 13p per portion); Asda bananas (7p per portion) and Asda Smart Price apples (10p per portion).

Kate Mendoza, head of education for the WCRF, 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.”

Ms Mendoza said shoppers should look for fruit and veg in season to help cut costs and should not forget that tinned and frozen produce also count towards the target.

“These count towards your five-a-day and they also tend to be less expensive and keep for longer,” she added.