IFIC Spotlight Survey: Perceptions Of Nutrient Density, How It Impacts Purchasing Decisions & Its Connection To Health Goals
August 20, 2020
Research Type
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“Nutrient density” is a concept that is central to making healthy dietary choices, describing the balance of beneficial nutrients in a food (like vitamins, minerals, lean protein, healthy fats and fiber) compared with nutrients to limit (like saturated fat, sodium, added sugars and refined carbohydrates). IFIC’s consumer research has shown that while many people have heard of nutrient density, there may be room to grow in terms of its application toward helping people make food choices that benefit their health. This survey set out to learn more about how people think about nutrient density as it relates to making purchasing decisions and connecting the concept to personal health goals. In addition to demographic information like race/ethnicity, gender and age, this survey also examined the impact that weight status has on perceptions and behaviors related to nutrient density and health.
The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online research survey with consumers based in the US to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about nutrient density. One thousand adults aged 18+ years completed the survey from June 5-8, 2020, and responses were weighted to ensure proportional results.
Key findings include:
- Improving and maintaining health are the top incentives for choosing nutrient-dense foods.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and nuts and seeds are most commonly chosen to achieve health goals, while foods like snack bars, dairy alternatives, breakfast cereals, soups and enriched and refined products were less sought-after.
- Six in ten would find “nutrient-dense” labeling helpful for informing food choices.
- Nearly half agree that packaged foods can be nutrient-dense.