Which Fruit Is the UK's Most Eaten? Answer, Stats & Planting Calendar

Ever wondered which fruit tops the snack list for Brits? The answer isn’t as exotic as you might think, and it has a direct impact on what you should be planting in your backyard. Below we break down the latest consumption data, explain why that fruit stays ahead, and give you a practical UK planting calendar so you can grow it yourself.

The Crown Jewel: Apple Takes the Lead

When you hear "most eaten fruit UK" the word Apple instantly comes to mind. According to the 2024 report from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), the average Brit consumes about 12 kg of apples each year - roughly a third of all fruit eaten. That figure outpaces the next best‑selling fruit by a comfortable margin.

How the Numbers Are Collected

Defra’s annual “Food and Drink Consumption Survey” tracks household purchases, supermarket scanner data, and even farmer’s market sales. The methodology blends self‑reported diaries with point‑of‑sale analytics, giving a reliable picture of what lands on British tables. For 2024 the top five fruits by weight were:

1. Apple - 12 kg per person
2. Banana - 8.5 kg
3. Orange - 5.2 kg
4. Strawberry - 4.1 kg
5. Plum - 2.3 kg

These numbers reflect both fresh and processed forms (e.g., apple juice or banana bread), but the raw fruit still dominates the chart.

Why Apples Keep the Crown

Three main reasons keep apples ahead of the pack:

• Year‑round availability - UK orchards supply fresh apples from late summer through winter, and imports fill any gaps.
• Versatility - From pies to salads, sauces to snacks, apples adapt to any meal.
• Affordability - Grown locally in regions like Kent and Herefordshire, they’re often cheaper than imported fruit.

Combine those factors with a deep cultural heritage (think of the classic “apple‑and‑stew” dessert) and it’s clear why the apple remains king.

The Close Contenders

While apples dominate, the runner‑ups are worth a look, especially if you’re planning a mixed‑fruit garden.

Banana

The Banana (a tropical fruit grown mainly in Latin America and the Caribbean) ranks second at 8.5 kg per person. Its popularity stems from a convenient, ready‑to‑eat format and a sweet taste that appeals to all ages. Bananas, however, can’t be grown outdoors in the UK - they need a greenhouse or indoor setup with temperatures above 15 °C.

Orange

The Orange (a citrus fruit prized for its vitamin C content) follows at 5.2 kg. Most oranges sold in Britain come from Spain and Morocco. Growing oranges in the UK is possible only in heated glasshouses, and even then yields are modest.

Strawberry

Strawberries, represented by the Strawberry (a small red fruit with a juicy interior), make up 4.1 kg annually. They’re a favorite for desserts and summer snacking. The good news? Strawberries thrive in the UK climate, especially in raised beds with well‑drained soil.

Plum

Finally, the Plum (a stone fruit with a sweet‑tart flavor) averages 2.3 kg. Plums need a chilling period and do well in many UK regions, but they’re less popular simply because of limited availability compared to apples.

What This Means for Home Gardeners

If you’re a backyard grower, the consumption data offers a clear buying signal: plant more apples. Not only will you tap into a proven market, but you’ll also enjoy a fruit that most locals already love. For diversity, consider adding strawberries for a summer harvest and perhaps a dwarf apple tree that can be grown in a large pot.

UK Planting Calendar for the Top Fruit

Below is a handy calendar that matches the UK climate zones (generally 7-9 on the RHS hardiness scale) with the optimal times to plant, prune, and harvest each fruit.

Tips to Grow the UK's Most Eaten Fruit - Apples

Here are practical steps that turn a backyard into a mini‑orchard:

• Choose the right rootstock - Dwarfing rootstocks like M9 let you fit several trees in a small garden.
• Site selection - Apples love full sun (at least 6 hours) and well‑drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
• Planting depth - The graft union should sit just above soil level to avoid rot.
• Winter pruning - Remove any crossing branches and keep the shape open for airflow.
• Pest management - Watch for codling moth and apply a light horticultural oil spray in late spring.
• Harvest timing - Taste a few fruits in August; when they’re firm, sub‑acid, and detach easily, they’re ready.

Following these steps ensures a healthy yield and fuels the national appetite for apples year after year.

Quick FAQ

Final Thought

Understanding which fruit dominates British diets gives you a clear target for your garden. By planting the right varieties at the right times, you’ll be feeding the same appetite that drives national consumption figures - and you’ll have fresh, home‑grown fruit on your table all year long.