The Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) has officially released the findings of the 2023 National Nutrition Survey (NNS)—a sweeping, science-based snapshot of the country’s nutritional and health realities. The results, presented at the 2025 National Nutrition Summit in Makati City, detail a mix of progress and challenges in food access, diet quality, maternal health, child care, and even mental wellness.
Traditional Food Sources Still Dominate
The data shows that sari-sari stores and wet markets remain the lifeline of Filipino households when it comes to sourcing food. While online grocery platforms and supermarkets are gaining traction, especially in urban areas, cost and accessibility keep traditional sources at the forefront.
Interestingly, 2 in 5 households also supplement their diets through nature—fishing, farming, or foraging from rivers and seas. While practical, this comes with concerns about food quality and safety.
Most Filipino households spend ₱100 to ₱500 per visit to traditional stores, while grocery trips often go beyond ₱1,000.
“Sari-sari stores aren’t the issue—it’s what they offer that needs a policy rework,” said Dr. Mildred O. Guirindola of DOST-FNRI. “Why not turn these stores into access points for healthier food?”
What We Eat—and Waste
Rice continues to dominate the Filipino diet, contributing over 58% of total energy intake, followed by vegetables and fish. However, the survey also uncovered a disturbing trend: food waste is rising. In 2023, plate waste increased by 53 grams per person per day, with rural areas wasting more than urban ones.
“Rice and vegetables are top food choices—but also top waste items,” noted Dr. Eva A. Goyena. “These are nutrients we’re throwing away.”
Who Eats What?
The survey reveals stark nutritional divides:
- Lower-income families rely more heavily on rice, while wealthier households consume more fish, meat, and poultry.
- Urban families favor cereals, dairy, and processed foods; rural families consume more rice, corn, vegetables, and sweets.
- Vegetable intake is higher among poorer families, which may be a silver lining in an otherwise imbalanced diet.
Despite these nuances, fruit, corn, legumes, and root crop consumption remains low across the board.
Alarm Bells: Mental Health, Prediabetes, and Nutrient Deficiencies
The 2023 survey didn’t just stop at food—it also looked into mental health and chronic illness risks:
- Over 20% of Filipino adults are prediabetic, with urban men at highest risk.
- Mental health struggles are rising among teens aged 16–17.9 and adults aged 50–59.9 and above 80. Both poverty and over-nutrition are contributing factors.
- Calcium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C deficiencies are prevalent in nearly all age groups.
Senior Science Research Specialist Ma. Stephanie Parani stressed that these issues are lifestyle-related: poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol intake all play a role.
“We need stronger health promotion—especially at the barangay level,” she emphasized.
Breastfeeding Declines, But Complementary Feeding Improves
The Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) section shows a troubling decline in exclusive breastfeeding, with only 50.4% of infants under 6 months receiving only breast milk. However, complementary feeding practices have improved: more children now receive meals at the right time and frequency, though only 13.9% meet the full minimum acceptable diet.
The Iodized Salt Gap
Despite high awareness (74.8%) of iodized salt, only 34.9% of Filipino households use it adequately. The preference for rock salt, especially in lower-income households, is a primary barrier. Only 30.4% of rock salt samples tested were adequately iodized, compared to 72.7% of fine salt samples.
A Whole-of-Government Call to Action
DOST-FNRI’s Acting Officer-in-Charge Atty. Lucieden Raz closed the summit with a call for unity:
“Malnutrition is everyone’s problem—government, private sector, community. We need evidence-based, shared solutions that bring change at the local level.”
The 2023 NNS results are part of DOST’s OneDOST4U initiative, which supports national development across human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. With hard data in hand, the agency urges stakeholders to double down on nutrition education, healthier food systems, and a more resilient population.
For full access to the 2023 NNS and future updates, visit www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.
