01.03.11
With more than 1.6 billion overweight adults in the world today, weight management represents one of the largest and most dynamic growth opportunities in the global health and wellness market. Solae, St. Louis, MO, recently conducted a weight management consumer research study across 11 countries to better understand consumers’ behaviors, motivations and practices in managing weight and their usage of foods providing weight management benefits. The study also looked at product attributes important to consumers in selecting foods to support their weight management goals, and specifically, consumer understanding and awareness of protein in weight management. “Consumers are increasingly looking for ways to manage their weight through convenient foods and beverages,” said Michele Fite, vice president of global marketing and strategy, Solae. “As Solae continues to invest in future ingredient innovation, this research helps us identify and better understand opportunities for protein-enhanced foods targeting weight management. Our data indicate that today’s consumer understands the important role protein plays in helping manage hunger. As a high-quality plant-based protein, soy protein can help food manufacturers develop great-tasting, satisfying food products targeting this growing segment.”
Solae’s weight management consumer research study collected insights from more than 5300 weight managers. According to results, weight managers are most interested in satiety-enhanced versions of “everyday” foods that they already consume regularly. While results varied slightly by country, soup, yogurt and breakfast cereal consistently ranked high as categories where added satiety benefits would be of interest to weight managers. As expected, taste was the most important product attribute in 10 out of 11 countries when choosing foods for weight management. However, a food’s ability to sustain energy levels and control hunger were other attributes consumers rated quite high in importance.
Across all countries, 78% or more of weight managers rated protein’s ability to sustain energy levels and control hunger as very or somewhat important to them.
Solae’s weight management consumer research study collected insights from more than 5300 weight managers. According to results, weight managers are most interested in satiety-enhanced versions of “everyday” foods that they already consume regularly. While results varied slightly by country, soup, yogurt and breakfast cereal consistently ranked high as categories where added satiety benefits would be of interest to weight managers. As expected, taste was the most important product attribute in 10 out of 11 countries when choosing foods for weight management. However, a food’s ability to sustain energy levels and control hunger were other attributes consumers rated quite high in importance.
Across all countries, 78% or more of weight managers rated protein’s ability to sustain energy levels and control hunger as very or somewhat important to them.