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)
  • Table 13-10-0905-01 - Health indicator statistics, annual estimates
  • Table 13-10-0906-01 - Health indicator statistics, annual estimates, by household income quintile and highest level of education
• Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (CHSCY)
• Canadian Veteran Health Survey (CVHS)

• Tofu and lentils: These data are vegan (StatsCan Plus, October 24, 2024)
• Health of Canadians – Health behaviours (Health of Canadians, March 5, 2025)
• A few reasons why some Canadian teens might not be getting enough fruits and vegetables (StatsCAN Plus, October 16, 2023)