PURPOSE: Increasing food insecurity (FIS) in the UK presents a major challenge to public health. Universal Credit (UC) claimants are disproportionately impacted by FIS but research on socio-demographic factors and consequent nutritional security is limited. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey (September 2021 - April 2022) assessed FIS in UC claimants (males and females, n = 328) (USDA 10 question module), dietary intake (females, n = 43
3-4 × 24-hour dietary recalls) and coping strategies. Binary logistic regression tested sociodemographic variables influencing the odds of food insecurity. Diets ofUC were compared with national diet and nutrition survey (NDNS) participants and thematic analysis conducted for drivers and impacts of FIS. RESULTS: FIS was experienced by 84.8% of UC respondents (73.8% very low food security). Equivalised income <
£200 week CONCLUSION: During this study, dependence on UC almost guaranteed recipients would be food insecure, consuming insufficient micronutrients to support health. MIS may provide a useful benchmark to prevent food poverty.