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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The Processed Foods Paradox: Latest Consumer Research Reveals Confusion Surrounding Definitions And Healthfulness

(Washington, D.C.) — The International Food Information Council (IFIC) recently published new consumer research, Public Perceptions of Processed Foods, measuring consumers’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about processed foods.   “From public health to pop culture, we have seen a significant increase in interest surrounding processed foods in recent years,” Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, IFIC President & CEO, said. “Much of the controversy results from classification systems utilized in scientific literature to categorize foods based on level of processing versus nutrition or other food attributes. Amidst the emerging evidence and headlines, current scientific consensus and the consumer perspectives are often excluded. As an educational nonprofit sitting at the intersection of science, food, and the consumer, we believe exploring consumer insights on processed foods is timely, needed, and important.”   One In Five Consumers Report Eating Fewer Processed Foods As Important Action To Eat Healthier  Healthfulness remains top of mind for consumers. The vast majority of Americans (84%) claim prioritizing a healthy diet is important to them. When asked which actions they could take to eat healthier, Americans ranked eating more fruits and vegetables (33%) as well as practicing balance, variety, and moderation (27%) at the top. Reduction approaches (eating less sugar, eating smaller portions) were not far behind. Of note, nearly 1 in 5 (18%) consumers also listed eating fewer processed foods as an action they could take to eat healthier.   The survey also asked Americans what words or phrases help them determine a food’s healthfulness. Top responses included “no artificial ingredients” (34%) and “no additives” (26%) followed by “organic” (22%), as well as “no added sugar” and “natural” (both at 19%).   Consumers Are Conflicted And Confused About Processed Foods  “According to IFIC research, many Americans believe there is a place for processed foods in a healthy diet, but it’s complicated,” […]

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Solving Sodium: New Consumer Research Signals Significant Knowledge Gaps, Consumption Concerns & Motivation to Improve Health

(Washington, D.C.) — Salt (i.e., sodium chloride) has consistently been indispensable for preserving, improving texture and enhancing flavor of our food, in addition to sodium’s role as an essential nutrient in human nutrition. But despite these benefits, excess dietary sodium intake is linked to health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. The International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) latest Spotlight Survey: American Consumer Perceptions of Sodium In The Diet dives into the U.S. consumer mindset, their knowledge of how much they consume contrasted with the recommended amounts, and trusted sources of information about sodium. “Effective communication begins with understanding consumers’ knowledge of sodium recommendations and their perceptions of just how much sodium they believe they consume every day. After conducting our research, we unveiled major knowledge gaps when it comes to individual sodium intake and dietary guidance recommendations,” IFIC President & CEO, Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, said. “These insights are critical in educating the public and ultimately, improving public health.” Nine Out Of 10 Americans Consume Too Much Sodium Dietary guidance suggests that American adults should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day, however the average American adult consumes about 3,400 mg. In fact, according to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, nine out of 10 Americans consume too much sodium. More than 70% of the sodium that Americans consume comes from packaged and prepared foods, while about 11% is added during cooking or eating. According to the latest IFIC consumer research, when Americans consider sources of sodium in their diets, 29% say the top source is packaged foods, such as canned food or frozen meals. Nearly four in ten say their top sources of dietary sodium are the salt added during cooking (22%) or while eating (15%). “Our research […]

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Sweet & Savory Insights: New Consumer Research Reveals What’s Behind Americans’ Snacking Surge

(Washington, D.C.) — Over the past decade, snacking has surged in popularity. According to the 2024 IFIC Food & Health Survey, 74% of Americans report snacking at least once every day. In fact, more than half (56%) of Americans replace traditional meals with snacking or by eating smaller meals.   Whether it is a quick mini-meal, energy boost before a workout, a sweet treat at night, or a salty snack to enjoy with friends, one thing is clear: Americans love snacks. Given its growing importance, the latest International Food Information Council (IFIC) Spotlight Survey: American Consumer Perceptions of Snacking further examines how consumers approach snacking, the types of snacks they choose, and their definitions of the term.  “While it is evident that Americans’ snacking behaviors and habits have evolved, we wanted to explore why,” IFIC President & CEO, Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, said. “Looking at snacking motivators is key to understanding how to help consumers find ways to ‘level up’ their meals and snacks, while also maintaining the joy and satisfaction snacking brings.”  Decoding What Makes A Snack  Given the lack of a consistent definition of a snack, IFIC sought to gain alignment on terminology from consumers. According to the latest IFIC Spotlight Survey, most Americans define a snack as “eating or drinking something between meals” (89%), while less than 1 in 10 would instead call it “grazing,” “a mini meal,” “a treat” or “picking.”   Nearly 15% of Americans say their typical snack contains similar foods as their typical meals, but in smaller portions (14%), and 11% report that their typical snack contains similar foods in similar portions as their typical meal.   Still, while data suggest Americans are mindful of calorie intake, interestingly, half of Americans do not set calorie goals when snacking. Among those who say they […]

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Consumer Confidence In Food Safety On The Decline: Unpacking Concerns Over Ingredients & Trust

(Washington, D.C.) — In light of numerous food recalls and a surge in alarming headlines about toxic ingredients in our food, it is no wonder that consumer confidence in the safety of the food supply is waning. In fact, the 2024 IFIC Food & Health Survey reveals that consumer confidence has reached an all-time low—the lowest it has been in a decade.  Given this stark decline, the latest International Food Information Council (IFIC) Spotlight Survey: American Consumer Perceptions of Food Ingredient Safety further examines how consumers make safety assessments when it comes to purchasing and consuming foods and beverages, specifically regarding ingredients.   “Trust is at the heart of food choices for individuals and their families,” said IFIC President & CEO Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN. “By exploring how consumers assess food and ingredient safety, we can pinpoint where trust may be faltering and identify opportunities to rebuild it.”  Top Safety Concerns Include Foodborne Illness, Heavy Metals  The latest IFIC Spotlight Survey seeks to identify the most pressing food safety concerns for Americans. Survey takers selected microbial concerns, such as the presence of E. coli, and the presence of heavy metals in food as the primary issues of concern. Specifically, nearly 1 in 3 Americans (32%) are “extremely concerned” about E. coli in ground beef. Additionally, 29% of Americans are extremely concerned about lead, cadmium, and arsenic in baby food, while 27% voice extreme concern about mercury in seafood.  Less than 1 in 5 are extremely concerned about allergens in packaged foods (16%) and allergens in foods served at restaurants (15%).   Ultraprocessed Foods, Dyes & Sugar Substitutes Ranked As The Most Avoided Foods & Ingredients   The latest Spotlight Survey uncovers a variety of factors that Americans consider when assessing the safety of food products, including foods and ingredients they avoid, as well […]

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Trust At A Tipping Point: New Survey Reveals The Need For Clarity In Science Communication To Improve Public Health

(Washington, D.C.) — In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, trust in food and nutrition science is critical for improving public health and helping Americans make informed, evidence-based decisions. Yet, according to the latest International Food Information Council (IFIC) Spotlight Survey: Americans’ Trust in Food & Nutrition Science, less than half of Americans strongly trust this science.  The survey, which examines knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about trust in science around food, nutrition, and diet, unveils that trust is faltering, and consumers are overwhelmed with shifting recommendations and sensational headlines.   “Unfortunately, trust in science has been waning for some time,” said IFIC President & CEO Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN. “As a mission-driven organization, we aim to investigate the reasons behind this distrust, improve the clarity of science communication, and identify opportunities for communicators to restore that trust.”  Less Than Half Of Americans Strongly Trust Science About Food, Nutrition & Diet  The latest IFIC Spotlight Survey seeks to assess consumers’ levels of trust in scientific information and identify which sources they trust the most and the least. The research shows that trust is low, with less than half of Americans strongly trusting science related to food, nutrition, and/or diet (38%). Approximately 1 in 5 Americans (21%) say they are neither trusting nor distrusting, whereas approximately 1 in 10 (12%) say they are distrusting.   “There are plenty of reasons why consumers might be weary to trust,” Senior Director, Food & Nutrition, Milton Stokes, PhD, MPH, RD, FAND, said. “Misinformation on the internet is rampant, individual ideology can contradict expert advice, and most importantly, science is complex.”   Many Consumers Say Food & Nutrition Advice Is A Moving Target  One reason it can be challenging to trust food and nutrition science is the perception that recommendations keep shifting. Most consumers (79%) perceive that recommendations […]

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