IFIC is a trusted source for food and research insights. Our research explores consumer beliefs, behaviors and attitudes on key topics spanning food safety and ingredients to nutrition and health.
Browse our flagship IFIC Food & Health Survey, monthly Spotlight Surveys, commissioned research and peer-reviewed publications.
As food systems grow more complex, public understanding of chemical risks in food remains limited. This study explored U.S. mothers’ perceptions through focus groups and a national survey, revealing confusion, concern, and knowledge gaps. Findings highlight challenges and opportunities for […]
January 1, 2015
This study explored how eating occasions differ by age, gender, presence of children, and BMI among U.S. adults. Using data from 2,702 respondents reporting 6,689 eating or drinking events, researchers found that age had the strongest influence on eating patterns. […]
August 20, 2014
This expert panel convened by the American College of Sports Medicine, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and USDA addressed the nation’s obesity crisis by focusing on strategies to promote energy balance. The group explored how to better integrate nutrition […]
July 1, 2014
This study assessed how different formats of front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labeling affect consumer comprehension. Over 7,300 U.S. grocery shoppers evaluated four versions of a fact-based FOP system, ranging from no FOP label to labels showing calories, nutrients to limit, and […]
June 1, 2014
The International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2013 Food & Health Survey examines Americans’ diet, food safety practices and healthy habits. Americans Experience a “Control Gap” Regarding Their Weight, Diet and Activity Level But, they recognize room for improvement and […]
April 1, 2013
Processed foods are an integral part of American diets, but a comparison of the nutrient contribution of foods by level of processing with the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans regarding nutrients to encourage or to reduce has not […]
September 18, 2012
This paper, based on the symposium “Is ‘Processed’ a Four-Letter Word? The Role of Processed Foods in Achieving Dietary Guidelines and Nutrient Recommendations in the U.S.” describes ongoing efforts and challenges at the nutrition-food science interface and public health; addresses […]
July 1, 2012
From 2008 to 2010, the IFIC Foundation’s annual Food and Health Survey tracked U.S. consumer attitudes and self-reported food safety behaviors. While confidence in the food supply increased, reported adherence to essential practices—such as hand washing, safe food storage, and […]
June 1, 2012
Schorin MD, Sollid K, Smith Edge M, Bouchoux A. The science of sugars, part 1: A closer look at sugars. Nutr Today. 2012;47(3):96-101. doi:10.1097/NT.0b013e3182435de8.
May 1, 2012
Americans Find Doing Their Own Taxes Simpler than Improving Diet and Health But, they recognize room for improvement and want to do better. The International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2012 Food & Health Survey takes an extensive look at what […]
April 1, 2012
Price Approaches Taste as Top Influencer for Americans When Purchasing Foods & Beverages Yet, in a Down Economy, Health is Still Important to Two-Thirds of Americans The International Food Information Council Foundation debuted the findings from our 2011 IFIC […]
September 1, 2011
Download the research report. (PDF) Background The IFIC Foundation conducted a survey in Fall 2010 to quantitatively assess US consumers’ comprehension and interpretation of front-of-pack nutrition labeling. The research was supported by a grant from the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA). […]
February 2, 2011
2009 Food & Health Results Web Cast Series The fourth and final in a series of Web casts was held on Friday, November 20. Reversing Mindless Eating over the Holidays: A Look at Consumer Weight Management Behaviors focused on the […]
November 20, 2009
‘The past several years have brought about a paradigm shift in the role of seafood in health in terms of the risk of not eating seafood, especially during pregnancy and lactation. The MNG, IOM, and FDA have examined the recent […]
November 1, 2009
Public attitudes about dietary sugars have varied over time, depending on numerous factors including consensus and emerging science, public policy, and consumer attention. The rise of obesity, the increasing concern over its associated health consequences, and the role of sugars […]
June 1, 2009
The International Food Information Council Foundation Food & Health Survey provides ongoing insights into the many connections Americans make between the food they eat and their health. The initial wave of this survey was conducted in 2006 and acts as […]
October 15, 2007
The symposium “Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for Food Labeling” explored the scientific debate about the most appropriate DRI values to use in establishing Daily Values on food labels. An important goal of nutrition and ingredient information is to help consumers […]
January 1, 2006
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