June 2004
Survey results show Kiwis are switched ON to soup
As the shortest day of the year kicks off National Soup Week, a new on-line survey commissioned by Wattie’s reveals
Kiwis are serving it BIG, taking time over it, and making a meal of it. It’s all good news for our health, according to
dietitian Julie Dick.
Of 2504 respondents, 42% described soup as ‘healthy alternative’, ahead of ‘modern convenience’ (26%) or ‘comfort food’
(25%). When describing the mood which best suited eating soup, the biggest proportion of respondents, (34%), chose
‘relaxed’. The survey showed 46% prefer to eat soup from a ‘large bowl’, easily out-polling ‘mug or cup’ with just 34%.
Wattie’s dietitian Julie Dick welcomes the findings which indicate a trend away from our colonial ‘broth’ heritage and a
soup-on-the-run mentality, towards enjoyment of soup as a nourishing, tasty, satisfying meal. She attributes the switch
to the “delicious diversity of international flavours and styles of soup now in New Zealand’s repertoire.”
“The benefit is that soups are a delicious way to get extra servings of vegetables in your diet, adding a variety of
essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre”, she says.
To celebrate Wattie’s National Soup Week, food technology classes at eight schools around the country will make a meal
occasion of soup, by hosting guests including teachers to a sit-down lunch. Students will serve their choice of Wattie’s
soups in big bowls with creative garnishes and innovative bread selections. They will understand the vegetable content
and nutrition benefits of the soup they’re serving, and will complete the occasion with original works of table art!
ENDS