94% of Australians Don’t Eat Enough Vegetables — Here’s Why That Matters 🥦

Fact-Checked By a Nutritionist MD

Published on July 2, 2025

When it comes to health advice, one message we’ve all heard is “eat more vegetables.” And yet, almost no one is doing it.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 94% of Australians aren’t eating enough vegetables. That means just 1 in 16 adults are meeting the national recommendations for daily veggie intake. It’s a shocking number—especially when you consider how essential vegetables are to energy, immunity, digestion, skin, hormones, and long-term disease prevention. So, why are so many people falling short? And what are the real consequences of a low-veggie diet?

In this blog, we’ll explore:

- The science behind the 94% stat

- What happens to your body when you’re missing out

- Why vegetables are so powerful

- Easy ways to get more into your day

- And how a greens powder like GRNS can help when real food falls short

🥦 What Are the Recommendations?

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend that adults eat at least five serves of vegetables per day. These serves should ideally include a variety of types and colours, to get a mix of micronutrients, fibre, and phytonutrients.

But in reality? Most Australians are consuming just 2 to 3 serves per day—and often from the same small handful of vegetables.

Why Are We Not Eating Enough?

Even in a country with wide access to fresh produce, most people aren’t hitting their veggie targets. Some common reasons include:

Busy lives and convenience eating – takeout and processed foods dominate

Lack of variety – we often repeat the same veggies (if any) in our meals

Unclear portion sizing – many people don’t know what “five serves” actually looks like

Poor planning or prep – no time to chop, cook, or store vegetables

Taste fatigue – some veggies are bitter or less appealing if not prepared well

And often, when vegetables are eaten, they’re more of an afterthought than a focus.

🧬 Why Vegetables Matter So Much

Vegetables are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. They’re rich in:

Fibre – supports digestion, blood sugar control, and fullness

Vitamins & minerals – like vitamin C, K, folate, magnesium, and potassium

Phytonutrients – plant compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties

Antioxidants – protect your cells from oxidative damage and support skin, brain, and immune health

When you consistently miss out on vegetables, it becomes harder for your body to function optimally. Over time, a low vegetable intake can contribute to: Fatigue and low energy, poor immune response, constipation, bloating, or digestive discomfort, hormonal imbalances, skin issues like breakouts, dryness, or redness, higher risk of chronic diseases (heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes)

Hidden Signs You’re Not Getting Enough Vegetables

Not sure if your diet is lacking? Here are some red flags:

- You get sick often or take a long time to recover

- Your digestion feels sluggish or irregular

- Your meals are mostly beige (bread, pasta, rice, meat)

- You rely on multivitamins to “make up for it”

- You rarely eat anything green

- You feel tired, foggy, or inflamed more often than not

GRNS: Your Nutritional Safety Net

Of course, whole vegetables should be your first choice. But let’s be honest—some days, it just doesn’t happen.

That’s where GRNS comes in. It’s a powerful daily greens powder made to help bridge the gap between what you should be eating and what you actually eat.

Each scoop of GRNS delivers:

🌱 Leafy greens like spinach, kale, barley grass, and broccoli

🥕 Root veggies like beetroot, carrot, and ginger

🍇 Antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberry, cranberry, and elderberry

🧬 Prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health and nutrient absorption

🌿 Adaptogens like ashwagandha and Rhodiola to reduce stress and support energy

It’s not a replacement for whole food—but it’s a smart, effective way to support your nutrition when life gets in the way.

A girl drinking greens powder from her glass

How to Eat More Veggies Without Overhauling Your Life

If you want to start closing the gap, here are a few real-world tips:

1. Start early.
Add spinach or kale to your morning smoothie or eggs.

2. Eat the rainbow.
Aim for 3–4 different colors on your plate each day—each pigment offers unique benefits.

3. Prep once, eat often.
Roast or steam a big batch of mixed veg and keep them in containers for quick add-ons during the week.

4. Blend them in.
Sneak zucchini, carrots, or cauliflower into soups, pasta sauces, and curries.

5. Use GRNS daily.
Even on your busiest or blandest days, GRNS gives your body a reliable dose of greens, fibre, and antioxidants.

FAQs: Phytonutrients & GRNS

1. Is GRNS a full replacement for vegetables?
Not exactly. GRNS is designed to support your veggie intake, not replace it. But when real food falls short, it’s an excellent nutritional backup.

2. How much vegetable content is in a scoop of GRNS?
GRNS includes concentrated powders from a wide range of vegetables and fruits, providing more variety than most people eat in a single day.

3. Can I take GRNS every day?
Yes! GRNS is made for daily use. In fact, it’s most effective when used consistently.

4. What makes GRNS different from a multivitamin?
GRNS is made from wholefood ingredients, not synthetic vitamins. It also includes prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, and adaptogens, offering a more complete, bioavailable approach to daily health.

5. What if I already eat healthily—do I still need GRNS?
A: Even with a healthy diet, most people struggle to hit the recommended variety and volume of plant intake. GRNS helps round out your daily nutrition.