A new survey has found that British consumers have more confidence in UK food than they have in the NHS, according to Red Tractor.
As part of Red Tractor’s 2026 Trust in Food Index, YouGov surveyed over 3,500 UK adults to find out how much consumers trust the food that they find on store shelves.
It was revealed that consumers are more confident in British food than in any other institution measured, as 94% of respondents said that “they trust UK food”.
While trust in UK food has risen by 1% compared to last year, Red Tractor noted that institutions, such as the NHS and tap water, have continued to decrease in consumer trust over the years, with confidence figures standing at 88% and 85% respectively.
The survey also found that 83% of participants noted that they trusted local government services, while 69% stated that they have confidence in gas and electricity suppliers.
Imported food
However, Red Tractor highlighted that consumer confidence was “notably weaker” when it comes to imported food within the survey.
Around 37% of surveyors felt that they are not confident that imports meet UK standards, with a further 53% believing that products that fall short of UK welfare standards should be banned.
It was reported that 80% of respondents trusted British farmers, although many were wary of whether the UK could solely rely on domestic food production.
The survey showed that 49% “doubted whether the UK could produce enough food to sustain itself, while 18% expressed no confidence in domestic food self-sufficiency at all”.
When asked what made them so confident in UK food, consumers reportedly pointed to three factors, including freshness, UK origin labelling, and assurance certification.
While consumers noted their appreciation for UK produce, 93% of participants acknowledged that they lack understanding in at least one aspect of food production.
A further 87% of surveyors reported that they have experienced confusion at the point of purchase.
Red Tractor
The director of communications and engagement at Red Tractor, Jo Miller outlined that the organisation plans on filling this knowledge gap amongst shoppers through educational campaigns.
Miller said: “This research shows that consumers genuinely value British farming and the standards behind it.
“But it also shows how much work remains to turn that trust into confident, informed purchasing decisions.
“Red Tractor is committed to making that story more visible,” she added.