How to eat 30+ plants
For years, we’ve been told to eat more fruit and vegetables – and while 5 a day is the magic number of portions, research shows that variety matters too. That’s where the aim of eating 30 different types of plant a week comes in. Popularised by Professor Tim Spector, co-founder of ZOE, the idea originated from a 2018 study carried out by the American Gut Project.
Researchers found that those who ate 30 or more different types of plants a week had a greater diversity of gut microbes on average than those who ate fewer than 10. Different plant-based foods contain different beneficial nutrients, so a more varied diet will help your gut diversity – and therefore your overall health.
What counts as a plant?
Fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices all count, as do coffee, tea, dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) and extra virgin olive oil because they’re rich in beneficial plant compounds. Dried, frozen and tinned fruit and veg have the green light, too, while different types or colours of the same plant count as multiple varieties.
Why 30 plants a week?
Plants provide beneficial nutrients such as polyphenols and flavonoids, as well as starchy carbohydrates, protein and a range of vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Plant rich diets are associated with many benefits including a more diverse gut microbiome to support digestion, immune system and lower risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
What is a tomahawk steak?
Tomahawk steak is taken from the rib, with the bone left in for a rich, full flavour. Ours is always from British, forage-fed beef, reared by farmers who share our commitment to animal welfare. It’s named for its shape – the long bone looks like the handle of an axe.
18 easy hacks to get to 30 plants a week
Eating 30 plants a week is easier than you think – here are some quick wins to help you hit that goal.
12 plant-powered store-cupboard essentials
Stock your kitchen cupboard with these handy ingredients, containing more plant varieties than you ever realised.
10 plant-packed products to keep in your freezer
Get savvier with these freezer staples, plus tips on how to use them.
The 30-plant checklist
Tasty ingredients to always have in your store-cupboard to get you to 30+ plants a week
The 30-plant checklist
Tasty ingredients to always have in your store-cupboard to get you to a 30+ plant a week
Introducing the Plant Varieties logo
Our Plant Varieties logo
Look out for the Plant Varieties logo across a range of Waitrose products. It's designed to help you easily incorporate more delicious plants into your diet by highlighting products, recipes and ingredients full of plant varieties. All main-meal products with the logo contain at least five plants, while sides and snacks contain at least three.
Healthy recipe ideas
Eating well should never compromise on flavour. Discover our healthy but delicious recipe ideas everyone round the table will love.
Nutritious 5+ plant dinner recipes
Recipes that contain at least one of your 5 a day, plus an additional nutritional benefit.