A McKenzie’s Foods survey has found that 40 per cent of Australians polled do not eat pulses, with only two per cent consuming them as part of their daily diet.
McKenzie’s says pulses are a primary source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
In the survey, thirty-two per cent of Australian respondents said they were aware of the great nutritional benefits of pulses, and a further 25 per cent said they believed pulses provided better-than-average nutritional benefits.
Australians surveyed cited a number of reasons for not eating pulses more regularly. Fifty-five per cent said they were deterred from legumes because of barriers to cooking them, 30 per cent said they were unsure of how to use them in recipes and a further 25 per cent said they believed they took too long to prepare. Twenty per cent said they believed pulses gave you wind.
“Pulses are known for being a superfood ingredient,” McKenzie’s Foods Marketing Manager Melissa Clayton said. “They’re an excellent and inexpensive source of protein and are a staple food in my family.”