IFIC Spotlight Survey: From “Chemical-sounding” To “Clean”: Consumer Perspectives On Food Ingredients
June 17, 2021
Research Type
Topics
Food ingredients have been used for centuries to improve flavor, appearance, nutrition, freshness or texture in foods and beverages. But the names of those ingredients or how they are described can make a big difference in whether a product is purchased or passed by. This survey looks at the role ingredients play in the food attitudes and purchasing habits of American consumers, revealing that this topic is popular and often polarizing.
The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online research survey with consumers based in the US to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about food ingredients. One thousand adults aged 18+ years completed the survey from May 6-10, 2021, and responses were weighted to ensure proportional results.
Key findings include:
- Nearly 2 in 3 say that ingredients have at least a moderate influence on their food and beverage purchases.
- When shopping, on-package ingredient information sources are far more popular than online sources and personal contacts.
- Most people say they’re paying more attention to ingredient lists, choosing clean ingredients and avoiding chemical-sounding ingredients.
- Nearly half of “clean eaters” define the term as eating foods that are not highly processed; fresh produce, organic and simple ingredients lists also rank high.
- Seeking out health benefits is the top motivator for choosing foods and beverages with clean ingredients.