With the average person turning to Google for food and health questions 13 times a week, it’s little wonder that 30% agree being healthy and eating well is one of life’s biggest mysteries. From skipping meals in the name of wellness to cutting out dairy completely, a surprising number of Brits are still second-guessing what “healthy” really means – and many are getting it wrong.
New research from Lindahls reveals that one in three (33%) Brits admit they often “guess” when deciding what to eat, while nearly half (43%) say they feel genuinely confused by all the conflicting food advice out there. In fact, Brits find the modern nutrition landscape so confusing that 22% have simply given up trying to eat healthily at all.
Among the nation’s most common “healthy habits” that might not be doing much good, 34% admit to swapping lunch for a smoothie, 32% opting for a meal replacement shake and one in six have even cut out dairy, despite 39% of the population saying they “can’t live without cheese” before 50% were surprised to learn that certain cheeses are a high-protein powerhouse.
But despite the confusion, the nation is making strides. The research points to a shift in approach, with people focusing on small, sustainable changes rather than total diet overhauls, with over half upping their fruit and veg intake, 45% walking shorter journeys, and 43% aiming to increase their protein.
Among the top ‘surprise health heroes’ making their way onto Brits’ plates include eggs, blueberries, Greek yoghurt – and, yes, cheese (23%).
Heloise Le Norcy-Trott, Group Marketing Director for Lactalis UK & Ireland, explains “It’s clear from the research that people are trying to make the right choices – but with so much conflicting information, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At Lindahls, we believe in simplifying the journey to better health through easy, protein-rich swaps that support a more balanced lifestyle. Whether it’s choosing a protein-packed snack or making small, consistent changes, we want to help people feel good about what they’re eating – without the guesswork.”
To meet growing demand for simple, high-protein choices, Lindahls has launched a new range of protein-rich cheeses, designed to support healthier eating without the confusion. The range includes low-fat, high-protein options like Cottage Cheese (RRP £1.50), Gouda Slices (RRP £2.00), Greek Cheese (RRP £2.25), and Quark (RRP £2.50) – making it easier than ever to incorporate dairy protein into everyday meals and snacks available to purchase now in Waitrose, Morrisons and Ocado.
*Research of 2,000 UK adults was commissioned by Lindahls and conducted by Perspectus Global in May 2025.
