Both quantity and variety of fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake are associated with lower risk of chronic disease.

F&V intake is associated with marital status, but less is known about marital transitions and diet, particularly by gender.

We studied marital transitions and changes in quantity and variety of F&V in middle-age and older UK men and women.

For men more than women, becoming widowed or separated was linked to declines in F&V quantity and variety.

Interventions to promote healthy eating may be needed for men experiencing separation, divorce or death of a spouse.