A third of the 2,000 adults polled had no idea feta cheese is made from sheep’s milk and half did not know the main ingredient for black pudding was pig’s blood. Two thirds were unaware the humble peanut is grown underground, while 66 percent didn’t know the cashew nut, is the seed of a fruit.
More than six in 10 also had no idea maple syrup comes from the tree itself – with nearly a quarter thinking it’s made from tree bark.
The study, commissioned by Maple from Canada UK, found that many are also confused by sustainability.
While 64 percent of adults believe it is important to buy sustainably sourced food, three quarters admitted they don’t actually know how to do their bit.
Chef James Golding, group chef director of a major UK hotel group and member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts sustainability committee, has teamed up with Maple from Canada UK, to campaign for better knowledge on foods and sustainability when cooking.
James said: “The research has revealed some interesting knowledge gaps around common foods that people consume every day.
“The origins of some of these foods will certainly surprise people, despite eating them frequently – and similarly, knowing whether these items are sustainably sourced will be unknown to many.
“While people know sustainability is important, it can sometimes be one of those things that slips to the back of people’s minds when they’re doing their food shop.”
The study also found that 30 percent rarely think about how their food is produced, while 55 percent also confessed to turning a blind eye and buying lower quality produce.
Another 40 percent often forget to think about whether their food is sustainably sourced.
More than a quarter also admitted they rarely think about the impact food has on the environment, according to the research carried out via OnePoll.
But 47 percent think that knowing the positive impact of certain foods on the ecosystem would affect their shopping habits.
It also emerged that 34 percent would like to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle but aren’t sure how.
And 54 percent have attempted to grow their own produce, with eight in 10 doing this in their garden, and 18 percent doing so on their windowsill.
The research also revealed nearly seven in 10 adults were able to correctly identify Canada as the main producer of the world’s supply of maple syrup, where forests play their own part in contributing positively to the planet’s ecosystem.
James Golding, speaking on behalf of Maple from Canada UK, added: “Growing your own food, living from the land or even foraging for foods is a great way to do your bit for the planet.
“Maple syrup is actually a great example of sustainability. By tapping the trees, it’s an effective way of producing a completely natural ingredient without damaging the environment.
“Also, maple forests used for maple production in Quebec, Canada, are generally protected by law and cannot be cut down.
“I would encourage anyone who hasn’t done, or not recently grown their own produce, to give it a try. I think so many would not only get a kick out of it, but also taste the difference too.”
Brits don’t know where these foods come from
Black Pepper: 88 percent didn’t know it was created from a drupe fruit
Cashews: 66 percent didn’t know they’re a seed from a from a tree
Peanuts: 66 percent were unaware they’re grown underground
Maple Syrup: 61 percent didn’t realise it is tapped from a maple tree
Black Pudding: 50 percent didn’t know it’s created using pork blood
Feta Cheese: 35 percent didn’t know it’s made from sheep’s milk
Raisins: 15 percent didn’t know they’re dried grapes