The report, from bakery company Hovis, found the majority of UK adults (89%) said they recognised that eating fibre every day was important.
The research revealed 79% of people correctly said fibre helps digestive health and more than one third of people (38%) recognised fibre can help maintain normal blood cholesterol levels.
Under a quarter of UK adults (24%) said they were unsure of how much fibre they consumed every day but the majority of people surveyed identified wholemeal bread as a good source of fibre.
Jeremy Gibson, marketing director at Hovis, said: “There have been numerous studies that have shown the benefits of eating more fibre, yet people are still failing to eat enough of it.
“The rise of lower carb diets and reduction of bread consumption are another signal that consumers could be avoiding bread and missing out on the amazing fibre benefits they bring.
“At Hovis we are determined to play our part in helping reverse this trend and getting the UK into better shape, one meal at a time. We are working with a registered dietitian, Sarah Almond Bushell, and other experts, to provide information, recipes and advice to help the UK improve its diet.”
People can increase the fibre in their diet by eating more wholemeal bread, wholemeal pasta, brown rice, fruits and vegetables.
The recommended daily fibre intake for a healthy balanced diet:
- Children (2-5 years)= 15g
- Children (5-11)=20g
- Children (11-16 years)= 25g
- Adolescents/ adults (16+)= 30g