The humble banana is officially Australia’s most popular fruit, new data from global nutrition and food tracking app, MyFitnessPal.
Coinciding with World banana Day (15 April), MyFitnessPal revealed bananas were logged more than 9 million times by app users in the past year – the highest of all fruits, and of all foods generally. Coming in second among fruits, with over three million fewer logs is the avocado (6.4 million logs).
A recent poll of more than a thousand Australians, conducted on behalf MyFitnessPal, reconfirmed the nation’s true preferences. When forced to choose between the humble banana or avocado, respondents surveyed showed a clear preference for bananas, with 58% selecting them over avocados (32%), while 10% were unsure.
Banana eating habits
The same poll also revealed that bananas are most commonly eaten as part of everyday snacking routines, with close to 4 in 10 (39%) Australians consuming them as an afternoon snack and a similar number (35%) as a morning snack. Breakfast (35%) is also a key occasion, while usage drops off significantly for dessert (9%) and post-workout (3%).
Interestingly, banana habits remain firmly rooted in tradition, with 68% of Australians surveyed peeling from the stem. Only 13% peel from the bottom, while 19% are flexible.
The poll also revealed that bananas are most commonly consumed in their simplest form, with 83% of Australians surveyed eating them fresh on their own. Secondary uses, including smoothies (22%) and cereal or oatmeal (18%) are far less common, while baking (10%) and toppings (4%) remain niche.
Australians surveyed showed a clear preference for firmer bananas, with 58% favouring slightly yellow bananas over fully yellow options (43%).
Daily staple
Nutritionist and MyFitnessPal ambassador, Michaela Sparrow, says bananas continue to earn their place as a daily staple in Aussie’s lives because they’re simple, nutritious, and incredibly versatile.
“There’s no denying that bananas are popular as they fit well into everyday life,” she said.
“What’s really interesting is what tracking reveals about everyday habits – bananas showing up as the most logged food tells us people aren’t just eating them occasionally, they’re a consistent part of people’s routines. They’re typically portable, affordable, and naturally packed with fibre and essential nutrients that support sustained energy.”
Ms Sparrow says it’s also of little surprise we’re seeing bananas dominate across all times of the day, especially for morning and afternoon snack times.
“Those moments are when people need a convenient energy boost, and bananas deliver with natural carbohydrates that help keep blood sugar levels steady – making them a smart alternative to highly processed snack options,” she said.
