Bupa UK shared a post comparing a plate of cheese that looked ‘normal’ to most people, and then the actual recommended daily amount of the dairy product
Food fans were in disbelief after Bupa laid bare the ‘normal’ serving size of cheese, stating on Instagram a recommendation that left cheese lovers reeling. The health care firm posted a comparison showing a decent amount of grated cheese and then the advised daily intake – a much smaller segment.
Bupa UK’s post showcased a tiny 30g portion – about the size of a little matchbox – next to what many believe to be a standard cheese helping, quickly went viral, prompting widespread astonishment. Its caption read: “Can’t imagine a world without cheese? You’d be surprised to find out the recommended portion sizes! Brace yourself and swipe right. Portion sizes may vary depending on individual circumstances.”
The initial image teased with, “Looks like a normal serving of cheese, right?” only for followers to swipe and discover the diminutive recommended portion. Ashleigh Huish, a TikToker, expressed her discontent in a reaction video, reports Gloucestershire Live.
She argued: “‘Looks like a normal serving of cheese, right? Swipe to see the recommended portion size…’ First of all, it doesn’t look like a normal serving, that looks on the smaller side. I’m not gonna lie depends what it’s going on.
“Beans on toast, I need more than that. Jacket potato, I need more than that. Going on the top of a spaghetti Bolognese, yeah probably that’ll do. Do you want to see the recommended portion of cheese?”
Using the green screen effect, Ashleigh revealed Bupa’s advice with evident disbelief: “You’re not going to be ready for this, because I was nearly sick.
“One small match box! First of all, who’s measuring things in ‘match box’? Why couldn’t we use a tablespoon or something, Bupa, you freaks. Who the f*** is getting a grater out for that small amount of cheese? I take a bite bigger than that out of the block while I’m waiting for my food to cook. Ah! It’s why I’m fat, it is why I’m fat.”
Ashleigh’s eye-opening video has clocked over 1.5 million views, drawing in many comments about the revelation. Fellow cheese lovers were equally shocked by such dietary guidance.
M444morgan said: “Pls did you see the recommended portion size for pasta?! 3 table spoons of pasta per person. It’s about 12 pieces of pasta. Are they crazyyyy.”
Hannah shared her frustration: “Please tell me this is a April fools because I just weighed 30g of cheese for my ‘healthy dinner’ and either my scales are way off or Bupa are lying out of their a****.”
Alice wrote, “No because I eat more than that while I’m grating the cheese ready for dinner,” while Soph echoed the sentiment, “That’s how much I pick out the bag to sample it.”
E_R_W_91 replied: “Well that explains why I’m a size 14 and not an 8, sorry BUPA it ain’t happening! I eat more than that just out the bag every time I walk past the fridge.”
Itsmeduhhh commented: “Cheese transcends portion sizes, are Bupa okay???”
While Heart Research UK acknowledges cheese as a nutritious food rich in protein and calcium, it warns of its saturated fat and salt content. The charity, along with the British Heart Foundation, pointed out that a modest 30g serving of cheese packs about seven per cent of the daily calorie intake. Astonishingly, some cheeses have more salt in one cheddar portion than an entire pack of crisps.
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