Friday, 04 April 2025: More than half of all Australians are now using digital tools to track their overall health, from food intake to steps and sleep.
The research from the fourth edition of the Living Healthier Report from Woolworths Group health and wellness platform, Healthylife, has analysed four years worth of supermarket transactions and customer surveys. It also found:
Australians are buying more vegetables: There has been a slight increase in vegetable purchases, with potatoes, tomatoes, frozen vegetables, canned vegetables and carrots making up the majority of the vegetable purchases;
Sleep is a priority: 44 per cent of Australians report improving their sleep as a health priority;
Seeking medical advice on social media: 21 per cent of people seek advice from qualified health professionals on social media to find health information.
A healthy shop can be cheaper: The research shows when shoppers align their weekly shop to the Australian Dietary Guidelines they can save on average, eight per cent, or around $20* every week.
Simone Austin, Chief Health Officer of Healthylife said: "It’s great to see there has been an increase in vegetable consumption.
“However, we still have a long way to go to make sure we’re meeting the recommended daily 5-6 serves of vegetables, as our data shows that Australians are currently only purchasing 2.8 serves per day.
“Eating one additional serving of vegetables a day, can reduce the risk of long term illness by 14 per cent.”
The research has also found more and more Australians are turning to digital tools to help with sleep, with 16 percent of respondents stating they use sleep-tracking devices such as watches or rings.
“Aside from nutrition, improving sleep was the number one non food related concern for Australians and it’s exciting to see how digital tools can help us better understand our sleep patterns.
“This can help keep us more accountable to our sleep routines, as well as provide valuable information to health professionals to be alerted to any possible serious sleep concerns,” added Simone Austin.
Woolworths has an ongoing commitment to increasing healthier choices in customers’ baskets. From including the Healthier Options tool for Woolworths online shopping, to working hard to introduce more healthier foods in their Own Brand range.
For more information, please visit this link to download the full report.
ENDS
*Based on a family of four.
Notes to editor:
Other key findings from the report include:
Technology is improving access to healthcare: Telehealth and online health information are becoming increasingly important, particularly for those in remote areas.
Education and empowerment through technology: Digital tools like the Woolworths Fresh Food Kids e-Discovery Tours are educating children about healthy eating habits in an engaging way, with more than 34,000 participating in F24.
About HealthyLife: HealthyLife, part of Woolworths Group, was launched in 2021. HealthyLife is a digital health offering that includes access to trusted advice from health professionals, health tracking and a specialised range of health products including vitamins, personal care, skin care, nutrition based natural, organic and sustainable products. HealthyLife's Health Advisory Board consists of doctors, nutritionists, a pharmacist and a Chief Health Officer, who bring to life advice and propositions for its customers.