Russians struggle with healthy eating as ready-meal sales soar by 40%

**A Third of Russians Don't Know Which Foods Are Recommended for Daily Consumption** *Photo: Oleg RUKAVITSYN. [View in KP Photo Bank]* A study by Roskachestvo's Center for Consumer Behavior Research has revealed a troubling trend: Russians are poorly informed about the list of foods recommended by the Ministry of Health for daily consumption. This was announced by **Yulia Mikhaleva**, Deputy Head of Roskachestvo, during her speech at the 4th National Congress with International Participation, *"National Healthcare 2025."*

**We Are What We Eat—But We Don't Know What That Is**

**30% of Russians** have no idea which foods are recommended for daily consumption. **29%** are unaware of the Ministry of Health's dietary guidelines for food intake. **45%** know the recommended sugar limits, while **43%** are informed about salt intake. **37%** are aware of the proper daily amounts of eggs and fruit. **35%** know the recommended bread consumption, and **22%** understand the guidelines for potatoes. *"As we can see from these statistics, unfortunately, not even 99% or 95% can claim to have this knowledge—and, consequently, to practice responsible consumption for their health,"* said Yulia Mikhaleva.

**The Biggest Trend: Food That Doesn't Need Cooking**

Life is moving faster, and this directly affects our eating habits. It's no longer just about fast food—it's a fundamental shift in behavior: **we cook less and buy more ready-made meals.** In **2024, the ready-meal market grew by 40%**—reaching **4 trillion rubles**. Experts predict the market will expand to **14 trillion rubles**, tripling in size. **What Can We Do About It?** 1. **When choosing pre-packaged food, take a moment to check the ingredients.** The shorter and clearer the list, the better. 2. **Share useful finds with family and friends.** This helps everyone adopt and reinforce healthier habits. *"When we build a community of 'prosumers'—informed consumers—this system starts to sustain itself. A person who knows where to limit themselves and what to prioritize will naturally make more conscious choices, even without additional regulation,"* Mikhaleva believes.

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