Fancy that, Tasmanians are just so sweet and not particularly fishy

TASMANIANS enjoy sweet treats but eat less fish than the national average, according to new figures.

Melissa Redman retail assistant at the Chocolate Trading Co. New ABS stats show Tasmanians and Northern Territorians obtained the highest proportion of energy from snacks and confectionary. Picture Nikki Davis-Jones

TASMANIANS enjoy sweet treats and tea and coffee, but surprisingly eat less fish than the national average, according to nutrition figures released this week.

All Australians love their treats or discretionary food – food high in energy but low in nutritional value – but Tasmanians were the most fond of confectionary with more than a third (37 per cent) consuming it regularly, says the Australian Bureau of Statistics Australian Health Survey that shows different eating habits for each state and territory.

Louise Gates from the ABS said: “The report tells us Australians obtain over a third [35 per cent] of their energy from discretionary foods.”

Tasmania had the highest proportion (9 per cent) meeting the recommended daily intake of vegetables compared with just 5 per cent in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Canberra.

However, Tasmanians were least likely to meet the recommendations for fruit (48 per cent).

Tasmanians were least likely to eat fish (13 per cent compared with 17 per cent nationally), however, we matched South Australians as the most likely to enjoy cheese.

Tasmanians drink more tea and coffee but fewer soft drinks.

We also eat a lot more potatoes (42 per cent compared with 31 per cent nationally) and carrots (27 per cent compared with 18 per cent).

Chocolate Trading Co Hobart shop assistant Emily Coomer said Tasmanians loved their treats.

“Our gourmet chocolates, made all around Australia, are one of the most popular things, as well as Tasmanian-made products,” she said.