Farmers launch campaign to rename potato a ‘supercarb’

Research has shown that the public don't understand the difference between vegetables and carbohydrates. Matt Spanton, one of the farmers leading the campaign, said: "The potato's rich carbohydrate content often overshadows its vegetable status. Potatoes are undoubtedly a 'supercarb'; they are packed full of energy, vitamins and minerals, fibre and, of course, are naturally fat free. We believe that the term 'supercarb' more accurately describes what we know is the nation's favourite vegetable and highlights just how much goodness potatoes contain."

Cook and TV presenter Gizzi Erskine is backing the campaign. "I love potatoes. I think the term 'supercarb' really captures all the goodness in potatoes and would help consumers to have a better understanding of this fantastically versatile vegetable. Not only are they packed full of nutrients but they are so easy to cook with too."

The research also showed that:

• Nearly 80 per cent failed to recognise that a jacket potato has more vitamin C than a medium sized apple or a portion of carrots
• One in three didn't realise that the fibre content in a jacket potato was more than that found in a medium orange, a portion of broccoli and a portion of cauliflower
• 31 per cent believed there was more iron in a portion of sweetcorn than in a jacket potato
• Only one in five knew that a jacket potato contains more vitamin B1 than portion of broccoli or a portion cauliflower.

The research found that people do understand the role of vegetables within the diet - 85 per cent think vegetables are an essential part of a healthy balanced diet.  But only one in three people think carbohydrates are essential and one in four actually think they are optional or unnecessary!

Dr Laura Wyness, British Nutrition Foundation Senior Nutrition Scientist, said: "The UK Eatwell Plate classifies the potato in the carbohydrate category because of its high starch content but that doesn't mean it isn't a useful source of micro-nutrients or isn't low in fat if it is boiled or baked. And of course, although it is a starchy carbohydrate, the potato is a vegetable too."

Ninety per cent of people do understand that starchy carbohydrates are important for providing energy, but they don't realise that a nutritionally balanced meal should contain some carbohydrates.  Nutritionists recommend that at least 30 per cent of calories/energy should come from starchy carbohydrates such as potatoes and bread, but the survey revealed that more than one in two people thought a meal of grilled salmon steak and vegetable stir fry was nutritionally balanced even though it contains no carbohydrate.

Fiona Hunter, Consultant Nutritionist said "Potatoes are a great source of starchy carbohydrates and nutrition experts agree that most of us should eat more of them - ideally they should make up at least a third of the food we eat.  To achieve this, every main meal should contain at least one starchy food like potatoes; they are a good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients in our diet such as fibre, B vitamins and iron."

The survey also found that three in ten people say experts like nutritionists most influence their food choice, so potato farmers are writing to nutritional and health bodies calling for a new classification of carbohydrates - 'supercarbs', of which the potato should be part.

More than a third of people think the potato should be reclassified as a 'supercarb' and four in ten said they would eat more potatoes if they were classified as a 'supercarb'.  Potato farmers are calling for people to show their support for the campaign by signing their 'supercarb' petition.

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