People who eat a lot of fruits and vegetables tend to be more social, open-minded, resourceful and understanding. A recent report highlights this link, based on a study conducted with young adults in New Zealand.
The researchers surveyed more than one thousand participants between the ages of 17 and 25, using detailed questionnaires to capture eating habits. They also had participants complete a personality assessment that measures openness to new experiences, conscientiousness, sociability, agreeableness, and emotional regulation.
The findings showed that those who scored higher on openness and sociability — and who demonstrated greater resourcefulness and insight — consumed about four and a half extra servings of fruits and vegetables per week compared with peers who leaned more toward introversion. In addition, higher-vegetable and fruit intake correlated with lower consumption of highly processed foods such as chips and fast food.
The authors of the study suggested that a curious mindset and taste for novelty may lead people to explore new fruits, vegetables, and recipes, even those they did not initially prefer. This tendency to experiment with foods can expand dietary variety and support healthier choices over time.
Across populations in North America and beyond, these patterns align with broader observations about how personality traits influence eating behavior and lifestyle choices. Encouraging habits like trying new produce, cooking at home, and sharing meals can help individuals adopt a more balanced diet. In practical terms, this means filling plates with a colorful mix of fruits and vegetables, choosing whole foods over ultra-processed options, and viewing healthy eating as an opportunity for exploration rather than a restriction.