The Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA) has published its Bread Consumption Habits Survey examining bread consumption dynamics and changing consumer preferences in the city. According to the survey, Istanbul residents are increasingly choosing whole wheat bread instead of white bread. The proportion of those who consider white bread definitely unhealthy reached 51 percent.

The Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA) investigated the change in bread consumption habits among Istanbul residents. According to the survey, while white bread consumption has declined due to growing awareness of healthy nutrition, whole wheat bread has become a more preferred option. White bread consumption decreased from 67 percent to 49 percent, while whole wheat bread consumption increased from 19 percent to 34 percent.

IPA examined the changing bread consumption habits of Istanbul residents. The survey revealed that, with increasing awareness of healthy eating, white bread consumption has declined while whole wheat bread has gained greater preference. White bread consumption fell from 67 percent to 49 percent, whereas whole wheat bread consumption rose from 19 percent to 34 percent.

The Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA), affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), conducted the “Bread Consumption Habits Survey” to reveal bread consumption dynamics and changing consumer preferences in the city. The survey demonstrated that a significant shift has taken place in bread consumption preferences. 

“51 PERCENT OF PEOPLE DO NOT CONSİDER WHİTE BREAD TO BE HEALTHY”

In the survey, the proportion of participants who stated that they definitely do not consider white bread healthy was 51 percent. The main factors shaping this perception were listed as “causing weight gain, the belief that it contains additives, and rapidly increasing blood sugar levels.” This perception was also reflected in consumption habits. While white bread consumption declined significantly, interest in whole wheat bread increased. White bread consumption decreased from 67 percent to 49 percent, while whole wheat bread consumption rose from 19 percent to 34 percent. The proportion of participants preferring healthier bread varieties such as whole wheat, bran, rye, and gluten-free bread was 37.1 percent, while the proportion of those not preferring these products stood at 36.9 percent. When asked about the main reason for not choosing healthier bread varieties, 36.8 percent of participants said they were not accustomed to them. According to the survey, breakfast is the meal during which Istanbul residents consume the most bread, with a rate of 45.4 percent. Dinner followed with 37.4 percent. The rate of bread consumption at lunch was only 4.6 percent.

METHODS USED TO PREVENT WASTE

Changes in food waste and methods used to prevent waste were also examined. Half of the participants stated that they had been careful not to waste bread for years. According to the survey, the most common method used against bread waste was buying only the amount needed for daily consumption, with a rate of 46.3 percent. Other saving habits were listed as follows:

“Storing sliced bread in the freezer, 24.8 percent; using stale bread in different recipes, 20.1 percent; cutting only as much as needed, 12.5 percent.”

The survey also asked participants about the most reliable bread sales points in terms of hygiene. Halk Ekmek kiosks ranked first with 58.8 percent, followed by neighborhood bakeries with 47.4 percent. In chain supermarkets and local grocery stores, this rate remained around 30 percent.

These findings from IPA once again revealed how strongly the healthy living trend in the megacity is influencing bread, one of the most fundamental staples of the kitchen.