A recent survey has shown that Greece is among the top 20 countries in the field of nutrition, as contemporary Greek cuisine combines many flavours and health benefits. But what were the nutritional habits in ancient Greece?

The ancient Greek diet was largely based on products that could be easily cultivated in the country’s landscape. Bread and wine were the basic elements of their diet. Breakfast was eaten before sunrise and consisted of bread dipped into wine. Lunch also included bread and wine with figs, olives or dried fish. The main meal of the day was supper which included vegetables, fruits, fish, and honey cakes. Honey was used as a sweetener, as at the time, sugar was unknown.

Wine was the main drink of ancient Greeks and was mixed with water. They avoided drinking milk as it was considered barbaric. Milk was exclusively used in the production of cheese.

Meat was very expensive and a sign of wealth. It was only available to poor people during religious festivals, when cows or pigs were sacrificed to the gods, and their meat was cooked and handed out to the public. The main source of protein was fish.

Seeing as the ancient Greeks had not yet developed eating utensils, they ate with their hands. Bread was often used as a napkin to clean their hands after the meal.