Bulgarians are warming up to healthier and quality food, according to a survey by the National Statistical Institute (NSI) on household budgets for the past ten years.

In 2009, Bulgarian households consumed less bread, pasta, farinaceous products and perishable meat products but ate more meat, feta cheese, milk, fruits and vegetables than in 2008.

Over the ten-year period, households have cut down on bread by an average of 130 kilogrammes to some 156 kg in 2009.

The data also showed that Bulgarians smoke less than in previous years and almost stopped buying hard liquor.

Beer consumption has been steady in the past two years, with families imbibing 40 litres on average in 2009.