• National Diet and Nutrition Survey participants
A rolling snapshot of the diet and nutrition status of the UK population

Why we need you

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey shows what the UK population eats and whether we’re getting the right balance of nutrients to keep us healthy. The results are used to monitor healthy eating campaigns, like the ‘5-a-day’ initiative.

We can't visit every household in the UK, so each year we select a sample of households instead. Only the people who live in these households can take part in the survey. This is because they've been chosen using a scientific method that means everyone in the UK has a known chance of being selected. So if you've been selected, no one else can take your place. Without you, we are missing an important part of the survey.

When you take part

We will send you a letter asking if you would like to take part. It's not compulsory - we conduct all of our surveys with the voluntary co-operation and good will of the public.

Once you have decided to participate in the National Diet and Nutrition Survey you can choose which sections of the survey to take part in. You are free to withdraw from the survey at any time.

There are some rewards for taking part:

  • Everyone who completes a four day food and drink diary will receive a £30 high- street voucher.
  • If you agree to be interviewed by one of our nurses you will receive a £5 high-street voucher.
  • Everyone who gives a blood sample receive a £15 high-street voucher.
  • If you agree to give a 24-hour urine sample, you will receive a £10 high-street voucher.
  • Children aged 4-15 who have been asked to wear a small physical activity monitor called an ActiGraph will receive a £10 high-street voucher if the Actigraph is returned to us in working order.
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