12.01.10
Half of adults rank antioxidants as the top nutrient they are most concerned about adding to their diets—ahead of calcium, fiber and iron—according to a new consumer survey by Bossa Nova, the Superfruit Company. However, despite this desire, the online survey found that the majority of adults don’t know which fruits provide the most antioxidants. Adding to the confusion, many consumers who are familiar with acai have misperceptions about the superfruit’s health benefits. In fact, 25% of those surveyed mistakenly believe acai juice helps with weight loss. The survey results also showed 58% of consumers are familiar with pomegranates, while less than 20% are familiar with acai. The number drops significantly (7% and fewer) when consumers are asked whether they are familiar with other superfruits such as goji, acerola and mangosteen. Younger adults, however, are more superfruit-savvy than older adults. Women are more likely to try a new fruit or vegetable and adults are more than twice as likely to try new fruits (65%) than to try new vegetables (28%).