New research commissioned by the National Dairy Council has found that while most Irish adults value a healthy start to the day, convenience continues to strongly influence breakfast choices. The survey of more than 1,000 Irish adults found that 84% say a healthy and balanced breakfast is important to them. However, 41% still typically choose carb-based options such as bread, toast, or pastries, with more nutrient-dense choices such as cereal with milk following behind.

Just over a quarter (26%) of respondents said convenience and practicality are their main priority when choosing breakfast, while only 4% opt for a traditional cooked breakfast. Nearly half (49%) eat cereal or granola with milk or yogurt, while 52% say they usually eat breakfast at the kitchen table compared with 11% who always eat it on the go.

The research was released alongside the launch of a new three-year partnership between the National Dairy Council and Sport Ireland Institute, Ireland’s national high-performance sport support centre for elite athletes, based on the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown. The programme, “High-Performance Breakfast, Powered by Irish Dairy,” will provide a nutritious dairy-based breakfast for Ireland’s elite athletes, coaches, and support staff as they prepare for the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The partnership aims to highlight the role of dairy in supporting performance, muscle recovery after exercise, and overall health within a healthy, balanced diet.

Liam Harbison, Sport Ireland Institute Director, highlighted the importance of nutrition in elite sport. He said:

“Elite performance starts long before the competition actually begins. What our high-performance athletes eat, when they eat it, and the quality of it makes a real difference at the highest level. We’re happy to partner with the National Dairy Council on this initiative, which puts first-class nutrition at the heart of daily preparation for Ireland’s best athletes, coaches, and support staff. As we continue to build toward the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, programmes like this are the kind of practical, evidence-based support that gives Irish sport a competitive edge.”

Emma Walls, CEO of the National Dairy Council, said:

“We are very proud to support Irish Olympians and Paralympians on their journey to the LA 2028 Games through this new partnership with Sport Ireland Institute. This initiative reflects the National Dairy Council’s commitment to providing Ireland’s top athletes, coaches, and their teams with a nutritious, dairy-based breakfast to help support performance and recovery in the high-performance centre.”

She added:

“Through this partnership, we are celebrating Ireland’s world-class, grass-fed dairy alongside the best of Irish sporting talent, bringing together elite nutrition and elite performance.”

Commenting on the research findings, Dr Mary Harrington, Senior Nutritionist at the National Dairy Council, said:

“This research shows that Irish adults want a nutritious and balanced breakfast, but there is a gap between what people prioritise and what they choose in the morning. Irish dairy offers a simple and versatile way to add more nutritional value to breakfast. Whether it’s milk with cereal, yogurt with granola, or a glass of milk, dairy provides high-quality protein, calcium, and other important nutrients to help support a balanced start to the day.”

“Milk also plays a valuable role in muscle recovery after exercise. It is made up of approximately 87% water, but the remaining 13% contains electrolytes such as potassium, carbohydrate in the form of lactose, and high-quality protein including casein and whey, supporting the three key post-exercise needs often referred to as the “Three Rs” of sports nutrition: rehydrate, refuel, and repair.”

The research also found that among adults who exercise regularly, 79% reach for water after exercise, 16% choose electrolytes, 15% opt for tea, and just 10% choose milk or flavoured milk, despite its hydration and post-exercise muscle recovery benefits. Post-exercise, 95% of adults said rehydration was important, followed by muscle repair (85%) and refuelling (75%).

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Deirdre Fitzgerald, Springboard Communications | Deirdre@springboardcommunications.ie | M – 085 2064835
Marc Woodard, Springboard Communications | Marc@springboardcommunications.ie | M – 086 8291121

NOTES TO EDITOR

About the Research

The research was conducted by Opinions Market Research, which interviewed a nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults aged 18+. Research Summary:

• 84% of Irish adults say a healthy and balanced breakfast is important to them when choosing breakfast.
• 41% of Irish adults start their day with carb-rich options such as bread, toast or a pastry.
• 26% of Irish adults prioritise convenience and practicality for breakfast.
• Only 4% of Irish adults choose a traditional cooked breakfast.
• Nearly half of respondents, 49%, eat cereal or granola with milk or yoghurt.
• More than half of respondents, 52%, eat breakfast at the kitchen table.
• 11% of Irish adults always eat breakfast on the go.
• Among adults who exercise regularly, 79% reach for water after exercise.
• 16% of Irish adults choose electrolytes after exercise.
• 15% of Irish adults opt for tea after exercise.
• 10% of Irish adults choose milk or flavoured milk after exercise.
• 95% of Irish adults say rehydrating after exercise is important.
• 85% of Irish adults say repairing muscles after exercise is important.
• 75% of Irish adults say refuelling after exercise is important.

About the National Dairy Council

Established in 1964, the National Dairy Council advocates for the dairy sector as part of an increasingly sustainable food system, a healthy balanced diet, and Ireland’s wider social and economic wellbeing. The National Dairy Council helps explain Irish dairy to the public – where it comes from, how it is produced, and why it matters in everyday life. It does this by sharing evidence-based information on nutrition, education, sustainability, and food production, while also telling the stories of the people behind Irish dairy, including farmers, producers, and experts.

About the Sport Ireland Institute and the National Dairy Council Partnership

The National Dairy Council has commenced a new three-year partnership with Sport Ireland Institute, Ireland’s national high-performance sport support centre for elite athletes, based on the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown. The “High-Performance Breakfast, Powered by Irish Dairy” programme provides Ireland’s elite athletes, coaches, and support staff with a nutritious, chef-prepared breakfast with a strong dairy focus five mornings a week at the institute.