Home food environment influences the achievement of the recommended daily vegetable intake of 350 g in Japan.

Background: "Health Japan 21 (Tertiary)" recommends a daily vegetable intake of 350 g for Japanese people. However, over the last 10 years, the actual average vegetable intake has fallen short of the recommended amount by approximately 60-90 g/day. Thus, this study aimed to determine the home food environment, including cooking responsibility, of the population achieving a vegetable intake of 350 g/day.

Methods: We used the weekday one-day weighted dietary records for 1,036 men and women aged 20-79 years from the Sukoyaka Health Survey (2019-2020). Participants were classified into two groups based on their daily vegetable intake: those consuming less than 350 g/day and those consuming 350 g/day or more. The home food environment of each group was analyzed for significance using the χ² test or logistic regression analysis. Food groups and nutrient intakes were tested for significance using a general linear model in each group.

Results: Compared with participants consuming less than 350 g/day, those consuming 350 g/day or more were more likely to cook at home and less likely to use ready-made meals. Among participants consuming 350 g/day or more, men were more likely to have a spouse responsible for cooking, while women were more likely to be responsible for cooking for themselves. Additionally, men in this group were more likely to start dinner before 8 pm and eat with someone, although these differences were not statistically significant. Regarding nutrient intake, in both men and women, participants consuming 350 g/day or more tended to have higher intakes of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and sodium. In terms of food groups, they also had significantly higher intakes of seasonings and spices.

Conclusions: The home food environment, including cooking responsibility, that contributes to achieving a vegetable intake of 350 g/day differs between men and women, and depends on women preparing home-cooked meals. Therefore, it may be pertinent to implement measures that support a home food environment, which is not dependent on women preparing home-cooked meals.

Trial registration: Not applicable.