Sean Moloughney06.16.09
Nearly half (46%) of Americans are reluctant to spend more on healthier foods, according to a recent survey from the United Soybean Board (USB).
The 16th annual “2009 Consumer Attitudes about Nutrition” survey shows that of those unwilling to spend more, 52% confirm the reason is financial. Still, 87% of Americans express concern about the nutritional content of their food, reflecting a clear interest in healthier foods.
As consumers attempt to balance nutrition and economic value, 88% say that nutrition is important when purchasing foods at the grocery store.
Given these findings, Americans are still taking greater control of their health by choosing functional foods. According to Packaged Facts' Functional Foods and Beverages study, U.S. retail sales for functional foods totaled $31 billion in 2008, an increase from $27 billion in 2006.
USB's study also demonstrates the heightened awareness about the health benefits of soy, as 84% of Americans rate soy as healthy, up 25 percentage points over the last 12 years. In fact, one-third of Americans purchase foods specifically because they contain soy.
“Soy products are an ideal option for those seeking budget-friendly meals,” said Lisa Kelly, MPH, RD of the USB. “For example, a block of tofu can star as the protein in a family meal for less than $2, and soybean oil costs one-quarter of the price of some other healthy oils,"
Americans indicate they seek out soy products because they are low in fat, are good sources of protein, reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol.
Eighty-four percent of Americans recognize soybean oil as very or somewhat healthy. Soybean oil contains zero grams of trans fat, which can often be a deterrent for many consumers at the grocery store. In fact, 59% say they would be more likely to buy a product they currently purchase if the food company reformulated the product to eliminate trans fats.
Awareness and usage of soy protein products continues to climb. Soymilk is most popular, with nearly one-quarter of Americans reporting they drink it regularly. According to Mintel's Soy-based Food and Drink report, soymilk sales grew 61% from 2003 to 2008. Emerging soyfoods have also sparked consumers' interest. Today, 17% of Americans have tried edamame (young green soybeans) at least once, a significant increase from 3% in 2000.
USB's study, conducted by an independent research firm, includes 1009 random online surveys conducted in January 2009.
The 16th annual “2009 Consumer Attitudes about Nutrition” survey shows that of those unwilling to spend more, 52% confirm the reason is financial. Still, 87% of Americans express concern about the nutritional content of their food, reflecting a clear interest in healthier foods.
As consumers attempt to balance nutrition and economic value, 88% say that nutrition is important when purchasing foods at the grocery store.
Given these findings, Americans are still taking greater control of their health by choosing functional foods. According to Packaged Facts' Functional Foods and Beverages study, U.S. retail sales for functional foods totaled $31 billion in 2008, an increase from $27 billion in 2006.
USB's study also demonstrates the heightened awareness about the health benefits of soy, as 84% of Americans rate soy as healthy, up 25 percentage points over the last 12 years. In fact, one-third of Americans purchase foods specifically because they contain soy.
“Soy products are an ideal option for those seeking budget-friendly meals,” said Lisa Kelly, MPH, RD of the USB. “For example, a block of tofu can star as the protein in a family meal for less than $2, and soybean oil costs one-quarter of the price of some other healthy oils,"
Americans indicate they seek out soy products because they are low in fat, are good sources of protein, reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol.
Eighty-four percent of Americans recognize soybean oil as very or somewhat healthy. Soybean oil contains zero grams of trans fat, which can often be a deterrent for many consumers at the grocery store. In fact, 59% say they would be more likely to buy a product they currently purchase if the food company reformulated the product to eliminate trans fats.
Awareness and usage of soy protein products continues to climb. Soymilk is most popular, with nearly one-quarter of Americans reporting they drink it regularly. According to Mintel's Soy-based Food and Drink report, soymilk sales grew 61% from 2003 to 2008. Emerging soyfoods have also sparked consumers' interest. Today, 17% of Americans have tried edamame (young green soybeans) at least once, a significant increase from 3% in 2000.
USB's study, conducted by an independent research firm, includes 1009 random online surveys conducted in January 2009.