IFIC Spotlight Survey: Public Perceptions Of Processed Foods In A Healthy Diet
January 29, 2024
Research Type
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The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online research survey with consumers based in the US to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about processed foods. One thousand adults aged 18+ years completed the survey from July 5-6, 2023, and responses were weighted to ensure proportional results.
Key findings include:
- Americans say eating more fruits and vegetables, followed by balance, variety and moderation, are top actions they can take to eat healthier.
- Consumers believe a wide variety of foods, including processed foods, fit into a healthy diet.
- Consumers use certain phrases or (lack of) ingredients to determine the healthfulness of a food.
- Despite eating processed foods, the majority of Americans report that they do not fully what understand what a processed food is.
- Researchers have begun studying the potential health implications of processed foods consumption utilizing food classification systems, such as Nova, which categorize foods into various categories based on their level of processing.