New Zealand’s Ministry of Health has released a report into which foods are best to eat during New Zealand summer.
Food is the number one concern of many families in New Zealand, and the ministry’s research shows the average New Zealander spends $1,700 on groceries in July.
A number of items, including pasta, pasta sauces, pasta chips, pasta and rice are among the top five items, followed by chicken wings, tuna, pasta salad, macaroni and cheese and bacon.
The ministry also revealed some of the foods that are safe to eat in summer, including fish and shellfish, shellfish salad and vegetables.
The ministry says the findings support recommendations to limit meat consumption and recommends people avoid dairy and eggs, which can cause the flu.
The food survey, which was conducted by the Ministry of Food and Rural Affairs in June, was based on responses from a sample of 6,500 people, who were asked questions about their food choices, consumption habits and their health.
In June, a national survey showed that more than half of New Zealanders thought there should be no restrictions on meat consumption.
The new findings will be published in a joint publication by the New Zealand Herald and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Monday.