Is Everyone Really on a Low-Carbohydrate Diet? Consumer Perceptions of Carbohydrates and Sugars

Public perception and consumer opinions are major drivers of shifts in dietary trends, as has been demonstrated most recently by the increased attention paid by consumers to low-carbohydrate eating patterns and concerns about added sugars. It is important for nutrition and food industry professionals to understand the factors that determine food intake and purchasing behaviors and observe how and why these behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs change over time. The International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation has administered its annual Food & Health Survey since 2006, which has yielded relevant, applicable information on public perceptions and purchasing drivers of nationally representative samples of the U.S. adult population. In this article evolving public perceptions of carbohydrates and sugars are illustrated by highlighting findings from IFIC Foundation consumer research, correlating perception with actionable behavior changes, and discussing new food and diet trends. Consumer education efforts are an important component in public understanding of evidence-based information on carbohydrates and added sugars. These efforts are discussed using the updated Nutrition Facts label as an example of a critical opportunity for engaging with consumers.

Webster AD, Sollid K. Is everyone really on a low-carbohydrate diet? Consumer perceptions of carbohydrates and sugars. Cereal Foods World. 2018;63(3):116-118. doi:10.1094/CFW-63-3-0116.