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 […]

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IFIC 2019 Food & Health Survey: Spotlight On Gen X Consumers

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 time than ever to continue […]

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IFIC Spotlight Survey: Consumer Viewpoints & Purchasing Behaviors Regarding Plant & Animal Protein

Highlights Between the popularity of plant-based eating and diets like keto and Paleo, protein continues to be top–of–mind for American consumers. But exactly when and why do people prioritize protein? What are the purchasing influencers for the variety of options on the market? And what do people think about new choices being created through scientific advances—such as cell-based meat? This survey aimed to find out. In addition to demographic information like race and ethnicity, gender and age, this survey also examined the impact of the eating patterns people follow on their perceptions perceptions and behaviors related to protein. Throughout, we’ve highlighted notable differences in responses between omnivores, vegetarians, vegans and pescatarians. Here are some key findings: Dinner tops the list of eating occasions during which people seek out protein. Nearly three in four (74%) said they try to eat protein with dinner, followed by 56% who said the same about lunch and 49% about breakfast. Protein doesn’t seem to be a priority for most when eating snacks and desserts or treats. Reasons for choosing protein vary widely. Two in five said they consume protein to make sure they eat a balanced diet, followed by 36% who said they do so because it satisfies their hunger throughout the day. Men and people under age 45 were more likely to say they opt for protein to build muscle health or strength and to improve athletic performance. Taste, type of protein, healthfulness and price rank highest in consideration of protein choices, far outpacing purchase influencers like environmental sustainability, animal welfare and protein quality. Much like we’ve seen in our annual Food and Health Survey, taste, price and healthfulness are key purchase drivers when it comes to the protein choices people make. Despite capturing widespread interest in nutrition and agriculture circles, animal welfare and […]

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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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IFIC Spotlight Survey: Public Perceptions of Dietary Sweeteners

Download the survey results here Food trends come and go, but one in particular has stood the test of time: The search to satiate our sweet tooth. While sweet foods and drinks will likely always be popular, reducing sugar intake is a top public health priority. And many consumers are receiving the message, with recent IFIC consumer research showing that nearly 75% of Americans say they are looking to limit or avoid sugar in their diet. Although sugar replacements like low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS) and sugar alcohols are increasingly used in products that are lower in added sugars, there is much debate over the expanding use of sugar alternatives. To shed light on these issues, we conducted a survey of 1,000 Americans to gauge their perceptions of the healthfulness, safety, risks, and benefits of consuming sugar, LNCS, and sugar alcohols. This survey builds on IFIC’s 2021 Sweeteners Survey, deepening our insights and understanding of how and why consumers make certain dietary decisions, including whether or not to consume or avoid certain types of sweeteners. Highlights Findings in Depth Americans are evenly divided over their intentional consumption of low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS). Nearly three in ten (28%) of survey-takers reported regularly consuming LNCS, while a similar percentage (29%) said they never consume them. Higher-income adults, those under 45 years of age, and individuals with a college degree were less likely to report never intentionally consuming LNCS. Among those who typically consume LNCS, one in three reports doing so at least once a day, and nearly one in five reports consuming LNCS multiple times a day. Reported LNCS consumption frequency was similar regardless of source—whether from a tabletop sweetener packet or a packaged food or beverage. IFIC’s annual Food and Health Survey has repeatedly found high interest among consumers to […]

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IFIC Spotlight Survey: Public Perceptions Of Processed Foods In A Healthy Diet

Download the survey results here 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.  Interest in processed foods has increased significantly in recent years, gaining attention from a range of sectors, including public health to pop culture. ​ For the full executive summary and top findings, click here.

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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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