Wine Drinkers’ Diet ‘Healthier’

Wine drinkers have more refined tastes than their beer-swilling counterparts, researchers say today. Drinkers who stock up with bottles of vino have a much healthier diet, a study found. Shoppers who bought beer also bought more processed and high-fat foods in the survey.

Researchers analysed more than 3.5 million supermarket purchases from nearly 100 shops to track patterns of drink and food buying. Wine-buyers, such as Carol Vorderman, pictured, who has previously helped lead a search for a new TV wine personality, were much more likely to buy fruit and vegetables, low-fat cheese, olives and meat. They were also more likely to buy chicken, cooking oil and milk.

Beer-drinkers bought ready meals, sugary foods, chips, and butter. They were also keener on sausages and soft drinks.

Some scientists dispute the beneficial health impact of wine, and claim wine-drinkers are healthier because of their diets.