• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Markets
    • Health
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Showcases
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Markets
  • Health
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Showcases
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter
    Editorial Guidelines
    Top Features
    Nutraceuticals for Men: Muscle Health and Performance Nutrition

    Aging in Place: Healthy Lifestyles Supplement Science-Based Solutions

    Getting an Edge in Esports: Meeting the Health Needs of Competitive Gamers

    Beyond CBD: Cannabis Compounds Warrant Recognition and More Research

    Leveling Out the Energy Segment for Mainstream, and Rethinking Caffeine
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Research
    Supplier News
    Supplier Insights
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Thorne Relaunches Gut Health Test with Microbiome Wipe

    Alkemist Labs Announces Alkemist Assured Seal and Next Generation Transparency Reports

    GC Rieber Foundations Expand Philanthropic Efforts

    Danone Celebrates 10th anniversary of Grant Program for Probiotics Research

    Stratum Nutrition’s Patent Portfolio Grows to Europe and Canada
    Exclusives
    Blogs & Guest Articles
    Health E-Insights
    Area Code 420
    eBook
    Antioxidants
    Dairy-Based Ingredients
    Enzymes
    Fatty Acids
    Fiber & Carbohydrates
    Green Foods
    Herbs & Botanicals
    Marine Nutraceuticals
    Minerals
    Omega 3s
    Probiotics & Prebiotics
    Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
    Sweeteners
    Vitamins

    GC Rieber Foundations Expand Philanthropic Efforts

    Danone Celebrates 10th anniversary of Grant Program for Probiotics Research

    Botanical Ingredient MorActive Evidenced to Relieve Back Discomfort

    Cargill’s Stevia Sustainability Program Benchmarked by FSA

    GOED Creates Infographic Highlighting Omega-3 Health Claims Approved in Europe
    Consumer Trends
    Contract Manufacturing
    Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
    Delivery & Dosage Technologies
    Dietary Supplements
    Flavors & Colors
    Functional Foods & Beverages
    Healthcare Trends
    Medical Nutrition
    Mergers & Acquisitions
    Natural/Organic
    Nutrition Bars
    Packaging
    Pet Nutraceuticals
    Quality & Safety
    Regulations
    Research
    Testing
    World Markets

    Thorne Relaunches Gut Health Test with Microbiome Wipe

    Alkemist Labs Announces Alkemist Assured Seal and Next Generation Transparency Reports

    GC Rieber Foundations Expand Philanthropic Efforts

    Danone Celebrates 10th anniversary of Grant Program for Probiotics Research

    Stratum Nutrition’s Patent Portfolio Grows to Europe and Canada
    Bone & Joint Health
    Cancer Risk
    Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Function
    Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
    Digestive Health
    Energy
    Eye Health
    Healthy Aging
    Immune Function
    Infant & Children's Health
    Inflammation
    Men's Health
    Mood Health & Sleep
    Oral Health
    Sexual & Reproductive Health
    Skin Health
    Sports Nutrition
    Weight Management/Weight Loss
    Women's Health

    Thorne Relaunches Gut Health Test with Microbiome Wipe

    Danone Celebrates 10th anniversary of Grant Program for Probiotics Research

    Beyond Raw Launches Concept X Pre-Workout Line

    Botanical Ingredient MorActive Evidenced to Relieve Back Discomfort

    Kyowa Hakko Appoints Dr. Colin Hill to Immuse Scientific Advisory Board
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Gencor

    Verdure Sciences

    KLK OLEO

    Aiya America, Inc. (Aiya Matcha)

    Nutrition21, LLC
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Gencor

    Verdure Sciences

    KLK OLEO

    Aiya America, Inc. (Aiya Matcha)

    Nutrition21, LLC
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Trade Associations
      • Company Capabilities
    • Nutraceuticals
      • Antioxidants
      • Dairy-Based Ingredients
      • Enzymes
      • Fatty Acids
      • Fiber & Carbohydrates
      • Green Foods
      • Herbs & Botanicals
      • Marine Nutraceuticals
      • Minerals
      • Omega 3s
      • Probiotics & Prebiotics
      • Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
      • Sweeteners
      • Vitamins
    • Markets
      • Consumer Trends
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
      • Delivery & Dosage Technologies
      • Dietary Supplements
      • Flavors & Colors
      • Functional Foods & Beverages
      • Healthcare Trends
      • Medical Nutrition
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Natural/Organic
      • Nutrition Bars
      • Packaging
      • Pet Nutraceuticals
      • Quality & Safety
      • Regulations
      • Research
      • Testing
      • World Markets
    • Health
      • Bone & Joint Health
      • Cancer Risk
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cognitive Function
      • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
      • Digestive Health
      • Energy
      • Eye Health
      • Healthy Aging
      • Immune Function
      • Infant & Children's Health
      • Inflammation
      • Men's Health
      • Mood Health & Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Sexual & Reproductive Health
      • Skin Health
      • Sports Nutrition
      • Weight Management/Weight Loss
      • Women's Health
    • Online Exclusives
    • Webinars
    • Slideshows
    • Blogs & Guest Articles
    • Health E-Insights
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • eBook
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • TrendSense
      • Monograph Center
      • White Papers
      • Research News
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Supplier Showcases
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • News Releases
      • Literature / Brochures
      • White Papers
      • Jobs
      • VIdeos
      • Services
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Breaking News

    IFIC Breaks Down Key Trends in 2021 Food & Health Survey

    As pandemic food habits begin to wane, a number of positive approaches to diet and health are growing, IFIC said.

    IFIC Breaks Down Key Trends in 2021 Food & Health Survey
    Related CONTENT
    • Digital Marketing Specialist
    • Digital Marketing Manager
    • Vitafoods Europe 2022 Attendance Returns to 2019 Level
    • Beyond Raw Launches Concept X Pre-Workout Line
    • Expert Consensus Statement: Diet is Best Primary Intervention to Achieve Diabetes Remission
    Mike Montemarano, Associate Editor 05.19.21
    More than one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, it appears that many consumers are settling back into shopping and eating habits which resemble patterns seen in the pre-pandemic times, while also engaging in some new food and health habits, giving researchers a preliminary idea of what the post-pandemic consumer marketplace will look like. One such effort to predict some trends in the upcoming year is the International Food Information Council (IFIC)’s 2021 Food & Health Survey, the results of which emphasize that consumers are becoming more mindful of social inequalities and disparities within our current food system, and that people want to engage more deeply with sustainable practices as they relate to the food industry.
     
    “After more than a year of tremendous upheaval caused by a historic pandemic, Americans are craving stability and a return to normalcy when it comes to their food decisions,” Joseph Clayton, CEO of IFIC, said. “The 2021 Food & Health Survey reflects those desires, but it also provides evidence of trends from during and before the pandemic that are proving to be more durable. This year’s survey also offers interesting new insights into consumers’ feelings about their communities, as well as their obligations to the environment.”
     
    Return to Normal
     
    Since last year’s IFIC Food & Health Survey, the organization has extensively tracked the dramatic changes in consumer behavior that have gone on as a result of COVID-19. This year’s survey shows that many of these changes have begun to subside. For instance, 85% of Americans a year ago reported having experienced some change to their eating or food preparation habits because of the pandemic. In the 2021 Food & Health Survey, however, that number fell to 72%.
     
    Pandemic-related behavioral changes that were adopted by consumers, by and large, may have dropped by as much as half since the crisis began. A year ago, 60% of consumers said they were cooking at home more than usual; this year, that number fell to 47%. Other major year-long declines included trends such as: snacking more (32%-18%); washing fresh produce more (30%-22%), thinking about food more (27%-13%), eating more in general (20%-11%); and eating more pre-made meals from the pantry or freezer (19%-11%).
     
    Some changes appear to be more lasting, and have even accelerated in 2021, IFIC said. In 2019, 27% of Americans said they shopped for food online at least once a month. That number increased to 33% in 2020, but, a year later, that number climbed to 42% in early 2021. While there was a decrease in adults who shopped for food online at least weekly from 2019 to 2020 (13%-11%), that number jumped to 20% this year, with younger consumers, parents, and African Americans shopping online for groceries more frequently than the general population.
     
    Food Insecurity Attributed to COVID-19
     
    With changes in behavior come changes in attitude, IFIC said, and there are certain markers of food insecurity present in the 2021 survey results. 15% of Americans said that they often purchased less-healthy food options than they would have otherwise because they didn’t have enough money for healthier options. A similar number (14%) said they often worried about whether their food would run out before they had enough money to buy more, and the same amount of consumers delayed purchasing food because of other expenses like rent or utility bills. 13% of consumers purchased less food overall. Three-quarters of consumers who experienced these markers of food insecurity said that the pandemic at least somewhat played a role in those decisions.
     
    While the results of food-insecurity questions were similar in 2018, cross-referencing the food-insecure groups of that year with 2021 revealed that African American respondents are more adversely impacted by food insecurity issues than three years ago, with certain food-insecure behaviors sometimes almost doubling.
     
    22% of African American respondents said they often purchased less food overall because of money concerns (vs. 12% in 2018), 20% often worried their food would run out (vs. 12% in 2018) and 21% often delayed purchasing food due to other expenses (vs. 10% in 2018). 25% of African Americans in 2021 said they often purchased less-healthy options due to financial concerns, an increase from 19% in 2018.
     
    Attitudes about Health
     
    IFIC said that survey results indicated consumers are generally exhibiting positive attitudes surrounding health, with 73% of respondents reporting that they were confident in their ability to choose healthy foods.
     
    Among a selection of definitions for “healthy” foods, consumers were once preoccupied in 2016 with what foods tend to lack (such as fats, sugars, etc.), rather than what healthy components a food may have. This year, 27% now say healthy food is defined by the presence of components such as fruits, vegetables, and nutrients (up from 17% n 2016), while 25% defined it by the absence of “bad” components (down from 35% in 2016). Another 25% simply defined healthy food as being “good for you” (up from 18% in 2016).
     
    Approaches toward dieting, IFIC said, are also moving in a positive direction. In 2021, 39% of Americans said they were following a specific eating pattern or diet, but the reasons were less cosmetic than in previous years. Losing weight remains a top reason for following a diet at 38%, down from 47% in 2020. Along the same lines, just 29% said they were dieting to improve their physical appearance, down sharply from 39% in 2020.
     
    Additionally, more consumers are aware of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, with the number of adults who know at least a fair amount about the DGA rising from 23% in 2010 to 41% in 2020. In 2021, that number rose to 46%, likely attributable to the release of the most recent 2020-2025 edition of the DGA.
     
    Social, Environmental Sustainability
     
    While the pandemic recedes as an influence over consumer food choices, an emphasis on social and ecological sustainability in food choice which peaked over the past year is likely here to stay.
     
    42% of consumers said they believe their individual choices about food and beverage purchases have a moderate or significant impact on the environment, and 53% said that if it were easier to understand the actual environmental impact of their choices, this issue would have a greater influence on their food decisions.
     
    24% of respondents said meat and poultry have the biggest negative impact out of food sources and products on the environment, followed by bottled beverages (14%) and fresh fruits/vegetables (8%). Tied at 7% were seafood, frozen foods, dairy, and candy, chocolate, and other sweets. 24% of adults also report eating more protein from plant sources over the previous year.
     
    For the first time this year, IFIC asked consumers questions about social sustainability. 59% of respondents say it is at least somewhat important that the food products they buy and consume are produced in ways that are committed to the fair and equitable treatment of workers involved. Parents with children under 18 years old are far more likely than those without non-adult children to view fair and equitable treatment as at least somewhat important (69% vs. 56%). Similar trends are seen between African Americans and non-Hispanic White consumers (68% vs. 56%) and between those who said they made community-supporting efforts on social/food issues in 2020 vs. those who did not (67% vs. 35%).
     
    A Spirit of Generosity
     
    With the significant amount of social, emotional, and economic upheaval experienced over 2020, IFIC included questions in this year’s survey about food issues in their communities, and found that 75% of respondents said they made an effort to help their community in the past year.
     
    44% of adults cited that they supported local restaurants, while 42% said that they increased tips for restaurant servers and food delivery people. In addition, 25% bought food from local farmers, 21% shopped or dined at minority-owned restaurants and grocery stores, and 20% donated to or volunteered at a food charity or food bank. 18% of people also helped those in their community who needed assistance to get food or groceries.  



    Mike Montemarano has been the Associate Editor of Nutraceuticals World since February 2020. He can be reached at mmontemarano@rodmanmedia.com.
    Related Searches
    • Consumer Trends
    • Healthcare Trends
    • Dietary Supplements
    • World Markets
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Quality & Safety
    • Healthcare Trends
    • Functional Foods & Beverages
    Suggested For You
    Digital Marketing Specialist Digital Marketing Specialist
    Digital Marketing Manager Digital Marketing Manager
    Vitafoods Europe 2022 Attendance Returns to 2019 Level Vitafoods Europe 2022 Attendance Returns to 2019 Level
    Beyond Raw Launches Concept X Pre-Workout Line Beyond Raw Launches Concept X Pre-Workout Line
    Expert Consensus Statement: Diet is Best Primary Intervention to Achieve Diabetes Remission Expert Consensus Statement: Diet is Best Primary Intervention to Achieve Diabetes Remission
    Consumer Conviction: Results of consumer satisfaction study on mental wellness and sleep. Consumer Conviction: Results of consumer satisfaction study on mental wellness and sleep.
    FDA Warns About Steroids or Steroid-Like Substances in Bodybuilding Products  FDA Warns About Steroids or Steroid-Like Substances in Bodybuilding Products
    Experts Debate Role of Supplements in Improving Public Health in EU Experts Debate Role of Supplements in Improving Public Health in EU
    NSF and SCNM’s School of Nutrition Collaborate on Master of Science Program NSF and SCNM’s School of Nutrition Collaborate on Master of Science Program
    Walgreen’s Brand Vitamins and Supplements First to Carry UL Verified Mark Walgreen’s Brand Vitamins and Supplements First to Carry UL Verified Mark
    Tocotrienols May Aid Weight Loss and Cognitive Performance, Animal Study Finds Tocotrienols May Aid Weight Loss and Cognitive Performance, Animal Study Finds
    Tocotrienols May Aid Weight Loss and Cognitive Performance, Animal Study Finds Tocotrienols May Aid Weight Loss and Cognitive Performance, Animal Study Finds
    Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine to Become Sonoran University of Health Sciences Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine to Become Sonoran University of Health Sciences
    A Postbiotic with Unmatched Clinical Research A Postbiotic with Unmatched Clinical Research
    Marketing Trends in Gaming and Powering Esports Athletes with Nutrition21’s nooLVL® Marketing Trends in Gaming and Powering Esports Athletes with Nutrition21’s nooLVL®

    Related Content

    • Digital Marketing Specialist

      Digital Marketing Specialist

      Are you an experienced Digital Marketing Specialist looking for more challenges and professional growth?

    • Digital Marketing Manager

      Digital Marketing Manager

      Are you an experienced Digital Marketing Manager looking for more challenges and professional growth?

    • Breaking News | Consumer Trends | Healthcare Trends | Industry & Market News | World Markets
      Vitafoods Europe 2022 Attendance Returns to 2019 Level

      Vitafoods Europe 2022 Attendance Returns to 2019 Level

      This year's installation of the event brought in over 15,000 participants from 130 countries.
      05.23.22


    • Breaking News | Dietary Supplements | Energy | Products | Sports Nutrition
      Beyond Raw Launches Concept X Pre-Workout Line

      Beyond Raw Launches Concept X Pre-Workout Line

      The 16-ingredient formulation targets both muscle soreness and increased strength acceleration.
      05.23.22

    • Breaking News | Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management | Industry & Market News | Medical Nutrition
      Expert Consensus Statement: Diet is Best Primary Intervention to Achieve Diabetes Remission

      Expert Consensus Statement: Diet is Best Primary Intervention to Achieve Diabetes Remission

      The American College of Lifestyle Medicine, with multi-organizational support, said that plant-predominant diets can achieve remission ahead of other treatment.
      05.19.22

      Trending
      • Leaven Essential To Launch Branded Botanical Extracts To Global Markets | Nutraceuticals World
      • Oregon Files Lawsuit Against GNC | Nutraceuticals World
      • Vitamin D3, Omega-3s, Exercise May Cumulatively Reduce Cancer Risk In Older Adults | Nutraceuticals World
      • Coca-Cola To Phase Out Honest Tea Brand By Year’s End, Citing Supply Chain Challenges | Nutraceuticals World
      Breaking News
      • Thorne Relaunches Gut Health Test with Microbiome Wipe
      • Alkemist Labs Announces Alkemist Assured Seal and Next Generation Transparency Reports
      • GC Rieber Foundations Expand Philanthropic Efforts
      • Danone Celebrates 10th anniversary of Grant Program for Probiotics Research
      • Stratum Nutrition’s Patent Portfolio Grows to Europe and Canada
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      May 2022

      • Aging in Place: Lifestyle Supplements Science-Based Solutions
      • Getting an Edge in Esports: Meeting Health & Nutrition Needs
      • Nutraceuticals for Men: Muscle Health and Performance Nutrition

      Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
      You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

      • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms And Conditions
      • Contact Us

      follow us

      Subscribe
      Nutraceuticals World

      Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

      Thorne Relaunches Gut Health Test with Microbiome Wipe
      Alkemist Labs Announces Alkemist Assured Seal and Next Generation Transparency Reports
      GC Rieber Foundations Expand Philanthropic Efforts
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      Pylon Coatings Uses Polygiene Biomaster & Verimaster for Antimicrobial Surface Protection
      Sto Corp. Recognized with Multiple Honors at the EIFS Hero Awards
      Powder Coatings Institute 2022 Scholarship Recipients Announced
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation Takes Effect
      Brian Case Appointed Chief Technology Officer at KORU Medical
      Solid Growth Expected for India's Medical Device Sector
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      DFE Pharma Opens India CoE for Fast-Track Formulation Services
      Helsinn Establishes New R&D Hub in the U.S.
      CureVac, myNEO Partner on Antigen Targets for mRNA-Cancer Vax Development
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      Carlyle To Acquire HCP Packaging
      Estée Lauder Companies Faces Class Action Lawsuit
      La Roche-Posay Launches Matte Moisturizer for Oily Skin
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      AspenClean Plastic-Free Detergents Now Available in the US
      Rhode Island Senate Looks to Pass Legislation to Move Wellness Supplements Behind the Counter
      Insect Repellent Market Expected to Surge Through 2031
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      NAPIM’s Virtual Digital & Emerging Technologies Conference is Back, June 14–15, 2022
      CEMATEX Introduces Online Business Platform to Connect Global Textile Community
      PICO Chemical Celebrates 46 Years
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      Zeller+Gmelin named Berry Global’s 2021 Ink Supplier of the Year
      Videojet and Loftware partner to accelerate labeling automation
      Scratch Off Systems acquires HP Indigo 7K digital press
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      Rael Raises $35M in Series B Funding
      Schobertechnologies Offers Rotary Web-fed Converting Solutions
      Thorne Relaunches Gut Health Test with Microbiome Wipe
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Emovi, Geneva Foundation Providing Knee Treatment Tech to U.S. Army
      Study Confirms Knee Shapes are Highly Individualized
      Stryker Launches EasyFuse Dynamic Compression for Foot & Ankle
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      ams OSRAM Introduces New Horticulture LEDs
      Avery Dennison Launches AD Twist U7XM Inlays
      ARPA-E Funding Drives Innovation, Industry Partnerships at NREL

      Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

      AD BLOCKER DETECTED

      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


      FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login