IFIC Spotlight Survey: Trends, Habits & Attitudes Related To Food Safety

Food safety is an issue that never seems too far from our minds—whether it’s hearing about a new food recall, trying to keep our kitchens and food prep spaces clean, or learning how to shop and keep food safe during a pandemic, this important topic is something each of us is engaged with every day. The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online research survey with consumers based in the US to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about food safety. One thousand adults aged 18+ years completed the survey from July-13, 2020, and responses were weighted to ensure proportional results.  Key findings include:

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IFIC Spotlight Survey: Eating & Shopping During A Global Pandemic

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online research survey with consumers based in the US to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about food and eating habits in a global pandemic. One thousand adults aged 18+ years completed the survey from August 7-9, 2020, and responses were weighted to ensure proportional results.  Key findings include:

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IFIC Spotlight Surveys: A Continued Look At COVID-19’s Impact On Food Purchasing, Eating Behaviors & Perceptions Of Food Safety

In the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic has been entrenched in our daily lives for the better part of one year. In the midst of its impact on the health of many and the lives of everyone, the way we’re thinking and acting around food and food safety continues to evolve. IFIC released two ten-question consumer surveys of COVID-19’s effects on shopping for food, eating habits and perspectives on food safety: one in April and one in May. Since that time, we have been tracking select questions each month to assess changes in perceptions and behaviors over time. We have also asked a few new questions to further help us understand how the pandemic has shifted our actions and our viewpoints. The results of these survey questions can be found at the links below, and we will continue to update this page with new information as time goes on. December 2021 Americans are experiencing the holiday season during a pandemic yet again, but IFIC’s 2021 COVID-19 and the Holidays Survey shows that our plans and behaviors aren’t exactly the same as they were one year ago. Nearly three in ten – 29%, say that they plan to attend a gathering with only fully vaccinated friends or family, while 15% say that they plan to attend a gathering with no COVID-related restrictions. Despite variations in holiday plans, the majority say they are most excited about eating with friends or family (47% ranked in their top two responses) and eating homecooked or traditional meals, reported by 46% of survey respondents. Nearly one-quarter (24%) rank family tradition and/or familiarity as the most important factor in deciding what to eat and drink during the holidays; this factor tied with taste for the top spot and taking priority over other aspects like price, healthfulness and convenience. For many, the anticipation of the holiday […]

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

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. The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online research survey with consumers based in the US to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about plant and animal protein. One thousand adults aged 18+ years completed the survey from November 9-10, 2020, 4-9, and responses were weighted to ensure proportional results.  Key findings include:    

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IFIC Spotlight Survey: Consumer Perspectives On Vitamins, Minerals, And Food & Beverage Fortification

It’s long been recognized that vitamins and minerals play essential roles in human health. But despite this appreciation, do people actually take them into consideration when making daily choices about what they eat and drink? If so, which vitamins and minerals do people seek out? And where do they look for this information when grocery shopping? In addition to finding the answers to these questions, this survey aimed to find out how people perceive the process of fortification (one method of adding vitamins and minerals to foods and beverages). The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online research survey with consumers based in the US to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about vitamins and minerals. One thousand adults aged 18+ years completed the survey from March 4-8, 2021, and responses were weighted to ensure proportional results.  Key findings include:

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IFIC Spotlight Survey: Perceptions & Use Of Dietary Sweeteners

It’s common to hear cautious phrases surrounding sugar intake, whether in regard to day-to-day consumption or around holidays and special occasions where food, drinks and desserts are focal points. But who do people really trust when it comes to information about the health effects of sugar and sweeteners? And are people more likely to consume foods and beverages that contain certain sweeteners over others? In addition to seeking the answers to these questions, this survey aimed to explore which information sources and labels are the most influential when buying sweet foods and beverages, how people use Total or Added Sugars information in making their purchasing decisions, and how the perceptions and behaviors of parents and caregivers of those under 18 may or may not differ from those without children in their care. The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online research survey with consumers based in the US to measure knowledge, attitudes, and dietary sweeteners. One thousand adults aged 18+ years completed the survey from April 9-14, 2021, and responses were weighted to ensure proportional results.  Key findings include:  

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IFIC Spotlight Survey: Understanding The Purchasing Behaviors & Preferences Of Dairy Consumers

The options in the dairy section of the grocery store are becoming increasingly diversified with non-dairy, plant-based alternatives—whether they be yogurt, milk, ice cream or cheese. But for Americans who consume dairy, how often and why do they choose dairy products versus plant-based alternatives? And how does their selection of dairy-based versus plant-based vary depending on the type of product? In addition to seeking the answers to these questions, this survey took a deeper dive into behaviors and perceptions around one particular dairy product: yogurt. This survey examined motivations for consuming yogurt, along with preferences for and awareness of the nutrition and health benefits commonly identified on yogurt labels, including “live and active cultures.” The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online research survey with consumers based in the US to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about dairy consumption. One thousand adults aged 18+ years completed the survey from April 1-6, 2021, and responses were weighted to ensure proportional results.  Key findings include:

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IFIC Spotlight Survey: From “Chemical-sounding” To “Clean”: Consumer Perspectives On Food Ingredients

Food ingredients have been used for centuries to improve flavor, appearance, nutrition, freshness or texture in foods and beverages. But the names of those ingredients or how they are described can make a big difference in whether a product is purchased or passed by. This survey looks at the role ingredients play in the food attitudes and purchasing habits of American consumers, revealing that this topic is popular and often polarizing. The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online research survey with consumers based in the US to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about food ingredients. One thousand adults aged 18+ years completed the survey from May 6-10, 2021, and responses were weighted to ensure proportional results.  Key findings include:

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