In a nation celebrated for its rich culinary heritage, the call for healthier eating habits has never been more pressing. Despite SA’s abundant agricultural resources, many citizens fall short of the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of consuming at least 400g of fruits and vegetables daily.
“Studies indicate that South Africans consume only about 226g to 235g of fruits and vegetables daily,” says Arthur Ramoroka, corporate nutritionist at Tiger Brands, the owner of Koo, highlighting a gap that contributes to rising non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
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— Toni Singer
As a proud staple in South African kitchens, Koo is committed to making healthy eating effortless and delicious, especially for families. Through its 5-A-DAY campaign, it aims to help bridge this nutritional divide by encouraging the inclusion of two fruits and three vegetables in daily meals.
Introducing the Koo 5-A-DAY approach
“[Koo’s 5-A-DAY approach] is all about making sure that every plate is balanced and filled with colourful food,” says Ramoroka.
Koo’s expansive product range, including baked beans, chakalaka and canned fruits, makes the goal of incorporating two fruits and three vegetables into your family’s daily meals accessible and convenient for households across Mzansi.
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— TJ Singer
Understanding the importance of cultural resonance, this approach doesn’t ask South Africans to abandon their beloved dishes. Instead, it suggests simple enhancements:
- Adding Koo beetroot or chakalaka to pap and vleis;
- Incorporating Koo mixed vegetables into stews; or
- Snacking on Koo peaches or pears.
“Healthy eating doesn’t mean abandoning cultural favourites,” says Ramoroka. “It’s about transforming everyday meals into vibrant, nutritious dishes.”
Community impact and success stories
The campaign has already seen positive feedback from the community. “We’ve received heartwarming testimonials from South Africans who’ve incorporated the 5-A-DAY approach and noticed improvements in their energy levels and overall wellbeing,” says Ramoroka.
Ramoroka encourages everyone to take small steps towards healthier eating. “Change doesn’t have to be drastic. Start small, introduce one new fruit or one extra vegetable into your meals with each meal,” he says.
With Koo’s diverse product range, making nutritious choices is both easy, enjoyable and sustainable.
Colour Your Plate with Koo
Whether you’re a foodie or just want to make healthier choices for your family, tune in Colour Your Plate with Koo to discover just how easy it is to add extra fruits and vegetables to your meals.
Now in its fourth season, this popular reality cooking show features everyday South Africans creating colourful, balanced meals, demonstrating that nutritious eating is both achievable and fun. Each episode serves up practical tips and recipe inspiration that make the Koo 5-A-DAY approach easy to follow and delicious to enjoy.
Watch Colour Your Plate with Koo season 4 on Koo’s YouTube page. For more inspiration and to explore a variety of recipes, visit Koo’s website.
This article was sponsored by Koo.
