IFIC Spotlight Survey: Americans’ Perceptions Of Fiber & Whole Grains
February 3, 2026
Research Type
Topics
The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online survey among U.S. consumers to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about carbohydrates, including dietary fiber and whole grains. One thousand and six adults ages 18 years and older completed the online survey from October 22-30, 2025, and were weighted to ensure proportional results.
Key findings include:
- Nearly one in three Americans say they consume fewer than 20 grams of fiber per day, well under recommended amounts.
- Nearly half of Americans say fruits and/or vegetables are the best source of fiber.
- Top barriers to increasing fiber intake include knowledge, cost, and taste of high-fiber foods.
- More than half of Americans say that at least some carbohydrate-rich foods can be part of a healthy diet.
- One in four Americans believes that sugar-sweetened beverages, chocolate or candy, or flavored milk or dairy can rarely or never be part of a healthy diet.
- Half or more of Americans believe vegetables, fruit, plain milk or dairy, and 100% juice can fit into a healthy diet at least twice per week.
- Americans are more likely to look for carbohydrate-related claims on food packaging than details on the Nutrition Facts label.
- Seven in ten Americans believe fiber and/or whole grains are good for their health.
- The top three reasons Americans consume wholegrains are to eat healthy, get more fiber, and support gut health.
- The top three reasons Americans consume fiber are to eat healthy, get more fiber, and support gut health.
- Reasons for consuming whole grains and fiber are similar.