IFIC Spotlight Survey: Consumer Perspectives On Regenerative Agriculture

The ties among climate change, environmental sustainability, and our food choices are becoming increasingly apparent—and for many, the through-line that connects these concepts is clear. IFIC’s 2021 Food and Health Survey found that 42% of Americans believed that their individual food and beverage choices can have a moderate or significant impact on the environment. Indeed, farming approaches that aim to mitigate the environmental strain of food production are on the rise. Regenerative agriculture practices, which seek to prioritize soil health as part of crop production, have been used for thousands of years and are currently experiencing a revival as more attention is paid to human society’s impact on the planet. Yet despite its resurgence, less has been known about how familiar the American public is with the concept of regenerative agriculture and its influence on our food and beverage purchases. To fill the gap in consumer perspectives, this IFIC survey aimed to assess public perceptions of regenerative agriculture practices. The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online research survey with consumers based in the US to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about regenerative agriculture. One thousand adults aged 18+ years completed the survey from December 2-6, 2021, and responses were weighted to ensure proportional results.  Key findings include:

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IFIC Spotlight Survey: Perceptions On Processed: Consumer Sentiment & Purchasing Habits In 2020

It turns out that “processed” is making an impact on Americans’ thought process, particularly when it comes to their food choices. In fact, our 2020 Food and Health Survey found that nearly half (49%) say that whether a product is considered to be processed has an impact on their food and beverage purchasing decisions. Additionally, over two in 5 (43%) say that whether a food is processed has more of an impact on their food and beverage purchases now, compared to ten years ago. But why exactly are Americans tuned into processed foods, and what are possible reasons for their growing influence in decision making? 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 September 10-12, 2020, and responses were weighted to ensure proportional results.  Key findings include:

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2022 IFIC Food & Health Survey Spotlight: Eating Patterns

The 2022 Food and Health Survey marks the 17th consecutive year the International Food Information Council (IFIC) has surveyed Americans to understand their perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding food and food-purchasing decisions. This year’s survey continues an examination of issues related to personal health, nutrition, eating patterns, food production, and food safety. In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the findings related to food behaviors—including snacking, mindful eating, and specific diets and eating patterns. SNACKING In this year’s survey, 73% of consumers report snacking at least once a day, an increase from the 58% who said the same in 2021. The top reasons for snacking remain consistent with previous results: Of those who snack at some point during the week (96%), 34% say it is because they are hungry or thirsty, and one in four (25%) say snacks are a treat for them. This year, the number of people saying they snack because they need energy or because it’s a habit rose compared with 2021 (22% vs. 17% and 21% vs. 17% in 2021, respectively). Men, Millennials, and Gen Z are more likely to eat meals and snacks during the late evening and late night when compared with women and older generations. Additionally, the types of snacks consumed vary by time of day, with fruit reported as the most popular morning snack (followed by dairy products and nutrition bars). In contrast, in the evening and late-night hours, people most commonly gravitate toward savory and salty snacks, candy, and chocolate or other treats, as well as cookies, cake, or ice cream. This year’s survey also assessed stress levels and found an interesting relationship between stress and snacking. Over half of consumers (56%) reported feeling at least somewhat stressed in the last six months, and those who felt “very” stressed […]

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Understanding Fluid Milk & Dairy Food Consumption Patterns to Enhance Diet Quality & Nutrition Equity

This IFIC consumer research study provides crucial insights into what drives the general population,  including BIPOC populations, to consume and/or avoid dairy foods and beverages. ​ Knowing more about what drives or inhibits dairy consumption can assist stakeholders’ efforts in enhancing consumer education; identifying trusted and effective outreach partners; and increasing knowledge about the nutritional value and health benefits; and addressing potential barriers associated with consuming recommended amounts of dairy as part of a healthy dietary pattern. ​ The prevalence of lactose-intolerance among BIPOC communities, concerns about expiration dates, and goals to reduce saturated fat intake present opportunities to increase awareness of and accessibility to lactose-free, reduced- and non-fat, as well as innovative dairy products that safely extend expiration dates, making consuming the recommended amount of dairy and ultimately, increasing diet quality actionable and achievable for all Americans.  Data was collected from November 17-28, 2023 via an online survey of 3,032 Americans ages 18 years to 80+ years. Fielding included quotas by race or ethnicity as well as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility, with an oversample on non-White and SNAP-eligible (i.e. low-income) populations. For this IFIC study, respondents were considered “SNAP-eligible” based on the self-reported household size and total household income, which is how the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) calculates SNAP eligibility.

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Harnessing Americans’ Knack For Snacking

Put simply, snacking is increasingly important in American life, and it is likely here to stay. As the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) stated in their Report, “Snacking is prevalent – almost universal.” The 2025 DGAC agrees, presenting at a recent meeting that 93% and 95% of children/adolescents and adults older than 20 years, respectively, consume one or more snacks per day. Recognizing A Real Opportunity For Continuous Improvement While snacking can get a bad rap among the public health community – particularly compared to its mealtime compatriots – the scientific verdict is out. Recently, the 2025 DGAC reported that they did not have enough scientific data to render conclusions regarding the relationship between snacking and consuming a dietary pattern more closely aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). They did, however, state that there is “limited evidence that overall snacking may not be associated with outcomes related to body composition and risk of obesity in children, adolescents, and adults.” Snack occasions provide approximately one-fourth of daily energy consumed, along with a mixed bag of nutrients to encourage and those to limit. For instance, children and adolescents consume significant amounts of important yet under consumed nutrients from snacks daily, including dietary fiber (26%), calcium (25%), potassium (24%), iron (20%), and vitamin D (20%). In those aged 20+ years, snacks provide the same nutrients of public health concern in slightly different amounts – calcium (25%), dietary fiber (21%), potassium (21%), iron (18%), and vitamin D (16%). On the other hand, depending on the age group, Americans also consume snacks that provide 42-43% of daily intake from added sugars, 22-26% from saturated fats, and 14-17% from sodium. Approaching Snacking With Strategic Intent The International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) extensive work to understand and improve food and nutrition behaviors has taught […]

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Food, Health and the Gen X-Factor: A Generation Concerned About Weight and Relationships Between Diet and Disease

Download the full report. (Washington, D.C.)—Generation X got its name because it was considered to be harder to describe or understand—think “planet X” or “the X factor”—than their much-studied Baby Boomer predecessors. With Gen Xers (ages 40 to 55) now in middle age, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation, in partnership with the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), released a new survey that examines their food and health attitudes, with a particular focus on their behaviors and perceptions related to diet and cancer risk. Among the findings: American Gen-X consumers are much more focused on weight loss than other age groups, a strong majority believes that lifestyle factors have at least some impact on the risk of developing cancer, and nearly half say their food and beverage purchases are impacted by whether they might reduce the risk of developing cancer. “With middle age comes more attention to our health and what we eat,” said Joseph Clayton, CEO of the IFIC Foundation. “Our research suggests that Gen Xers have distinct ideas about the relationships between our diets and diseases that are manifested in their food choices and behaviors.” The results supplement the IFIC Foundation’s 2019 Food and Health Survey—released in May—of the broader adult population (ages 18 to 80). It follows earlier in-depth looks at Baby Boomers and Millennials. “From our extensive scientific research, we know that around 40% of cancers are preventable and that being at a healthy weight is the single biggest lifestyle step to protect against cancer,” says AICR Director of Nutrition Programs Sheena Patel Swanner. “It’s great to see that the 2019 Food and Health Survey indicates that nearly half of all Gen X consumers say their purchases are impacted by whether a food/beverage might reduce their risk of developing cancer. Now is a better […]

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One-Third of Americans Are Dieting, Including One in 10 Who Fast … While Consumers Also Hunger for Organic, “Natural” and Sustainable

Download Full Survey FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2018 More than one in three U.S. consumers are following a specific diet or eating pattern, and they are increasingly averse to carbohydrates and sugar, according to the 13th Annual Food and Health Survey, released today by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation. Given a list of diets to choose from, or the option to write in a response, 36 percent of Americans reported following a specific eating pattern or diet within the past year, about two-and-a-half times the number (14 percent) from 2017 when it was an open-ended question. The top eating pattern cited was intermittent fasting (10 percent). Diets considered at least somewhat restrictive of carbohydrates were well-represented, including Paleo (7 percent), low-carb (5 percent), Whole30 (5 percent), high-protein (4 percent), and ketogenic/high-fat (3 percent). Younger consumers (age 18 to 34) were more likely to follow a specific eating pattern or diet than those 35 and above. More Americans than in previous years blame carbs, and specifically sugars, for weight gain. While sugars continue to be the most cited cause of weight gain (33 percent), carbohydrates ranked second at 25 percent, up from 20 percent in 2017. Both of those numbers are the highest since 2011. Fats (16 percent), protein (3 percent) and “all sources” (17 percent) lagged behind when placing blame. Cardiovascular Health Is Top Desired Benefit, But Consumers Don’t Know How To Achieve It Almost all consumers are interested in getting specific health benefits from food or nutrients. However, the top two desired health benefits in 2018 changed places from 2017: This year, 20 percent ranked cardiovascular health as their top desired benefit, followed by weight loss or weight management at 18 percent and energy at 13 percent. In 2017, those numbers were 16 percent, 32 percent […]

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Low-Income Americans Over 50 Face Unique Health and Nutrition Hurdles, Compared to Others Their Age

See the full report (PDF, 4.4MB) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 26, 2018 WASHINGTON — While aging poses new challenges, as well as changing perceptions and behaviors around food and health, a report by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation has found that low-income Americans age 50 and older confront additional hurdles and disparities compared with others in their age group. The findings are derived from a new IFIC Foundation survey, in collaboration with AARP Foundation, of more than 1,000 Americans age 50 and older with annual household incomes under $35,000. The research explores how they think about their health and nutrition, in addition to unique barriers they face in making positive changes. “As Americans get older, attitudes and behaviors regarding their health change significantly,” said Alexandra Lewin-Zwerdling, Vice President of Research and Partnerships at the IFIC Foundation. “But even among Americans who are 50 and older, the changes and effects are not experienced uniformly across the income spectrum. It’s important to understand differences in attitudes and actions, which will help address the impact of income on the health and nutrition of this growing age group.” Health Disparities and Changing Habits According to the findings, income status of Americans over 50 is directly associated with the perception of one’s own health. In addition, compared with other older Americans, indicators of healthy eating and recommended amounts of physical activity may be lagging among those who are low-income. Low-income Americans over 50 report an average health score (on a scale of 1 to 10) that is one point lower than the general population: 6.4 vs. 7.4. They are also much less likely to rate their health as “excellent” (38 percent vs. 57 percent of the broader 50+ age group). There is also a significant gap in healthy eating behaviors: 31 percent of low-income […]

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