• 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
    Innovation in Nutraceuticals: Dose Forms and Application Science Help Meet Consumer Demand

    Researchers Develop New Global Estimate of Medicinal Plant Species and Conservation Status

    All Eyes on Vision Health

    Health Benefits of Vitamin K: A Contemporary Cornerstone of Heart and Bone Health

    Vitamin D: A Fixture of Supplementation and Fortification
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Glossary
    Research
    Supplier News
    Supplier Insights
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    GOED Elects New Board Officers for 2023

    Aspire Hires Darrec Jones as VP of Business Development

    Pycnogenol Supplementation Linked to Better Hair Density in Menopausal Women

    BAPP Paper Reviews Common Adulteration Practices Which Go Undetected

    CRN Announces Promotions and Welcomes New Staff Member
    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

    Balchem Discusses Growth Trajectory for Portfolio of Specialty Ingredients in Key Markets

    GOED Elects New Board Officers for 2023

    Lallemand Health Solutions Debuts Organic Saccharomyces Boulardii Probiotic Yeast

    Pycnogenol Supplementation Linked to Better Hair Density in Menopausal Women

    BAPP Paper Reviews Common Adulteration Practices Which Go Undetected
    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

    Balchem Discusses Growth Trajectory for Portfolio of Specialty Ingredients in Key Markets

    Innovation in Nutraceuticals: Dose Forms and Application Science Help Meet Consumer Demand

    Aspire Hires Darrec Jones as VP of Business Development

    Lallemand Health Solutions Debuts Organic Saccharomyces Boulardii Probiotic Yeast

    Pycnogenol Supplementation Linked to Better Hair Density in Menopausal Women
    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

    Balchem Discusses Growth Trajectory for Portfolio of Specialty Ingredients in Key Markets

    Lallemand Health Solutions Debuts Organic Saccharomyces Boulardii Probiotic Yeast

    Pycnogenol Supplementation Linked to Better Hair Density in Menopausal Women

    Quercetin Ingredient Linked to Improved COVID-19 Recovery: Study

    Pomegranate Extract Tied to Gut and Skin Microbiome Benefits
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Gencor

    Chenguang Biotech Group Co., Ltd.

    EIRICH Machines

    Xsto Solutions

    Sabinsa Corporation
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Gencor

    Chenguang Biotech Group Co., Ltd.

    EIRICH Machines

    Xsto Solutions

    Sabinsa Corporation
    • 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

    Sustainability, Plant-Based Diets & ‘Clean Eating’ Are Important Food & Health Trends

    Taste, price, healthfulness, and convenience impact purchase decisions, per IFIC Foundation.

    Sustainability, Plant-Based Diets & ‘Clean Eating’ Are Important Food & Health Trends
    Related Content
    • The Modern Value Proposition
    • Getting Ahead of the Curve: Energy Gen 2
    • Move Over Mainstream, Healthy Foods Are Here to Stay
    • The King & Queen of Natural Products
    • Getting Ahead of the Curve: Digestive Health (Gen 2)
    05.23.19
    Topics like sustainability, plant-based diets and clean eating seem to permeate news about food, but it turns out they’re not just buzzwords or “flavors of the week.” IFIC Foundation’s 2019 Food and Health Survey showed genuine and growing interest in these and other trends. 
     
    The 2019 edition marks the 14th consecutive year that IFIC Foundation has surveyed American consumers to understand their perceptions, beliefs and behaviors around food and food-purchasing decisions.
     
    Sustained Interest in Sustainability 
    Previous Food and Health Surveys asked consumers about their views on sustainability, but their interpretations of the concept varied. This year’s survey got more specific by asking consumers what they look for in order to know whether a product is environmentally sustainable.
     
    Every year the survey identifies leading factors that impact food and beverage purchases. Every survey has seen “taste” reign supreme and in 2019 the trend continues. Deemed important by 86% of consumers, the impact of taste on purchasing decisions is up significantly from 81% in 2018. Other factors such as “price” (68%), “healthfulness” (62%) and “convenience” (57%) held steady. “Sustainability” as a purchase driver registered in the mid- to high-30 percentages through the years, but the 2019 refinement to “environmental sustainability” resulted in a drop to 27%, indicating that consumers may think of more than the environment when it comes to sustainability.
     
    Regardless of the impact on purchasing decisions, over half of consumers (54%) said it’s at least somewhat important that the products they buy be produced in an environmentally sustainable way. Among those 54%, many look for specific labels or attributes to assess whether they believe a product is environmentally sustainable: 51% perceive products that are locally produced as environmentally sustainable, followed by products literally labeled as sustainably produced (47%), labeled as non-GMO/not bioengineered (47%), labeled as organic (44%), having recyclable packaging (41%), and having minimal packaging (35%).
     
    “The IFIC Foundation has been exploring more and more facets of sustainability in recent years, and the trends are unmistakable,” said Joseph Clayton, president and CEO of the IFIC Foundation. “Values-based food decisions—which are sometimes at odds with established scientific consensus—continue to play a growing role in consumer food purchases.”
     
    At the same time, consumers struggle with recognizing environmentally sustainable foods. While environmental sustainability is a lower purchase driver compared to taste, price, healthfulness, and convenience, that number is perhaps at least partially explained by the fact that 63% of consumers said it is hard to know whether the food choices they make are environmentally sustainable. Among that group, nearly two-thirds (63%) said environmental sustainability would have a greater influence on their choices if it were easier to know.
     
    Dietary Trends: Plant-Based and ‘Clean Eating’
    Sustainability isn’t the only term that means different things to different people. Even a seemingly straightforward term like “plant-based” is subject to interpretation. About three-quarters (73%) of people said they have heard of plant-based diets, and about half (51%) are interested in learning more about them. Consumers who have tried any diet in the past year are far more likely to have heard of plant-based diets than those who have not tried a diet in the past year (82% vs. 68%).
     
    But consumers were split on what they believe a plant-based diet means. About one-third (32%) said it is a vegan diet that avoids all animal products, including eggs and dairy. A similar percentage (30%) defined it as a diet that emphasizes minimally processed foods that come from plants, with limited consumption of animal meat, eggs, and dairy. Another one in five (20%) believed it to be a vegetarian diet that avoids animal meat, while 8% said it is a diet in which you try to get as many fruits and vegetables as possible, with no limit on consuming animal meat, eggs, and dairy.
     
    Animal products are a more popular source of protein than plants, with 52% of survey takers saying they eat animal protein at least once per day versus 34% who said they eat plant-based protein—but the tide may be turning. Within the past year, 24% of consumers reported eating more plant protein than the previous year, while only half as many (12%) said they ate more animal protein.
     
    Also on the topic of diets, few buzzwords were trendier than eating “clean.” The 2019 Food & Health Survey added “clean eating” as an option to a question about whether consumers have followed any specific diet or eating pattern in the past year. This year, 38% answered “yes,” up slightly from 36% in 2018. “Clean eating” was the most widely cited diet at 10%, followed by intermittent fasting at 9%, then gluten-free and low-carb, both at 6%. The percentage of people that tried ketogenic or high-fat diets doubled (6% in 2019 vs. 3% in 2018), while there were marked declines for people taking up paleo (down to 3% in 2019 from 7% in 2018) and Whole30 (down to 2% from 5%) diets.
     
    “While some diets are trendier or healthier than others, it’s clear a significant segment of consumers are adopting at least some kind of diet,” said Alexandra Lewin-Zwerdling, vice president for research and partnerships at the IFIC Foundation. “Consumers are continuing to seek out diets that align with their personal values while joining communities of other Americans adopting similar habits.”
     
    Getting Technical: Younger Consumers Better Understand Certain Concepts 
    Consumer awareness and comprehension of some important food and nutrition terms is lacking. Only about one-quarter (23%) of consumers understand “nutrient-density,” which refers to foods with a higher proportion of nutrients and fewer “empty” calories. Nearly three in five (58%) have not even heard of the term. In general, younger consumers reported far greater understanding and awareness of nutrient-density than older ones (34% of those age 18-34 understand it vs. just 9% among those 65 and older).
     
    “Regenerative agriculture” (farming systems that increase biodiversity and improve ecosystems) is another term with low familiarity: Less than one-quarter (22%) of consumers have heard of it, but more than half (55%) are interested in learning more. Similar to nutrient-density, awareness of regenerative agriculture was greater among younger people than older people (34% of those 18-24 had heard the term vs. 13% age 65+).
     
    Trust in Brands and Familiarity with Ingredients
    The 2019 survey asked consumers about two new factors that impact food and beverage purchases—trust in a brand and recognition of ingredients that go into a product—and it turns out that both play big roles as purchase drivers. Trust in a brand had a major impact on the purchasing decisions of 30% of consumers (with 70% saying it had at least some impact), only slightly behind price at 33% (with 68% saying price had at least some impact). Interestingly, trust in a brand impacted far more consumers age 65 and above (85%) than younger consumers (66%). At the same time, nearly two-thirds (63%) of consumers said recognizing the ingredients that go into a product had at least some impact on their purchasing decisions.
     
    Methodology
    Survey results were derived from an online survey of 1,012 Americans ages 18-80, conducted March 22 to April 9, 2019. Results were weighted to ensure they are reflective of the American population, as seen in the 2018 Current Population Survey. Specifically, they were weighted by age, education, gender, race/ethnicity, and region. The survey was conducted by Greenwald & Associates, using Dynata’s (formerly known as ResearchNow) consumer panel.
    Related Searches
    • Organic
    • survey
    • gmo
    • Beverage
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Healthcare Trends
    • Consumer Trends
    Suggested For You
    Getting Ahead of the Curve: Energy Gen 2 Getting Ahead of the Curve: Energy Gen 2
    The Modern Value Proposition The Modern Value Proposition
    Move Over Mainstream, Healthy Foods Are Here to Stay Move Over Mainstream, Healthy Foods Are Here to Stay
    The King & Queen of Natural Products The King & Queen of Natural Products
    Getting Ahead of the Curve: Digestive Health (Gen 2) Getting Ahead of the Curve: Digestive Health (Gen 2)
    Flora & Fiber for a Healthy Microbiome Flora & Fiber for a Healthy Microbiome
    Sustainable & Ethical Sourcing Sustainable & Ethical Sourcing
    AFS Innovative, Functional Ingredients AFS Innovative, Functional Ingredients
    Sustaining Health ... For People & Planet Sustaining Health ... For People & Planet
    An Interview with Greg Macpherson, CEO of MitoQ Ltd An Interview with Greg Macpherson, CEO of MitoQ Ltd
    Natural Remedies Earns Sustainability Award for Excellence in Biodiversity Natural Remedies Earns Sustainability Award for Excellence in Biodiversity
    More Consumers Focused on Origin & Quality of Food More Consumers Focused on Origin & Quality of Food
    Online ‘Tribes’ Defining Health for U.S. Consumers Online ‘Tribes’ Defining Health for U.S. Consumers

    Related Editorial

    • Consumer Trends | Natural/Organic
      The Modern Value Proposition

      The Modern Value Proposition

      Values-based decision-making is playing an influential role in the food and nutritional products landscape.
      By Sean Moloughney, Editor 07.03.19

    • Consumer Trends | Dietary Supplements | Energy | Functional Foods & Beverages | Healthcare Trends | Herbs & Botanicals | Minerals | Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids | Sports Nutrition | Vitamins
      Getting Ahead of the Curve: Energy Gen 2

      Getting Ahead of the Curve: Energy Gen 2

      A top concern among consumers, energy offers product developers fresh opportunities.
      By Dr. A. Elizabeth Sloan & Dr. Catherine Adams Hutt, Sloan Trends, Inc. 07.03.19

    • Delivery & Dosage Technologies | Flavors & Colors | Functional Foods & Beverages | Natural/Organic | Sweeteners
      Move Over Mainstream, Healthy Foods Are Here to Stay

      Move Over Mainstream, Healthy Foods Are Here to Stay

      Thanks to the efforts of flavor and color companies, healthy products are officially upstaging sugar-laden, artificially flavored/colored counterparts.
      By Becky Wright, Contributing Writer 06.03.19


    • Consumer Trends | Flavors & Colors | Functional Foods & Beverages | Sweeteners
      The King & Queen of Natural Products

      The King & Queen of Natural Products

      The marriage of flavor and health must meet high consumer expectations.
      By Sean Moloughney, Editor 06.03.19

    • Consumer Trends | Dietary Supplements | Digestive Health | Functional Foods & Beverages | Healthcare Trends | Probiotics & Prebiotics
      Getting Ahead of the Curve: Digestive Health (Gen 2)

      Getting Ahead of the Curve: Digestive Health (Gen 2)

      The microbiome and prebiotics have gained mainstream attention.
      By Dr. A. Elizabeth Sloan & Dr. Catherine Adams Hutt, Sloan Trends, Inc. 05.02.19

    Loading, Please Wait..
    Trending
    • Vitamin D Supplementation Reduces Risk Of Dynapenia
    • NOW Switches To Bottles Made From 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Resin
    • Study Examines Vitamin K2 Content In Cheese
    • Shiitake Mushroom Extract Appears Helpful In HPV Infections
    • The Functional Chocolate Company Launches Painfree Chocolate
    Breaking News
    • GOED Elects New Board Officers for 2023
    • Aspire Hires Darrec Jones as VP of Business Development
    • Pycnogenol Supplementation Linked to Better Hair Density in Menopausal Women
    • BAPP Paper Reviews Common Adulteration Practices Which Go Undetected
    • CRN Announces Promotions and Welcomes New Staff Member
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    Jan/Feb 2023

    • Healthy, Clean Label Snacks and Nutrition Bars Help Fill Nutrient Gap Cleaved By Modern Lifestyles
    • Magnesium: An Essential Mineral with Many Forms and Functions
    • Vitamin D: A Fixture of Supplementation and Fortification
    • Health Benefits of Vitamin K: A Contemporary Cornerstone of Heart and Bone Health
    • All Eyes on Vision Health
    • Researchers Develop New Global Estimate of Medicinal Plant Species and Conservation Status
    • View More >

    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

    GOED Elects New Board Officers for 2023
    Aspire Hires Darrec Jones as VP of Business Development
    Pycnogenol Supplementation Linked to Better Hair Density in Menopausal Women
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    PPG Completes COLORFUL COMMUNITIES Project in Denmark
    10 Partners of the Automotive Industry Form JV, Cofinity-X
    BASF Recognized as Top Company for Supplier Diversity
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    MPO's Most-Read Stories This Week—Feb. 4
    MO SCI Acquires Assets of 3M’s Advanced Materials Business
    Neurent Medical’s NEUROMARK System Becomes Commercially Available in U.S. Markets
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Lilly 4Q Revenues Down 9% to $7.3B
    Bionova Expansion Project to Quadruple GMP Biologics Manufacturing Capacity
    Steriline Provides Fill-Finish Solution for Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Pacifica Introduces Glow Baby Skincare Line
    Kohl’s Names Tom Kingsbury as Chief Executive Officer
    Mielle Unveils Haircare Bundles Inspired by Amazon Original Series Harlem
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Next of Us Launches Pair of Hair Care Products
    Ivy Beauty Donates $30,000 to the NAACP in Honor of Black History Month
    Grant Industries Names Mehran Ghadim Sales Manager, Canada
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Weekly Recap: Pigments, Inkjet Ink Market Reports Top This Week’s Stories
    Roland DGA Announces Key Changes to Leadership Team
    Ball Reports 2022 Results
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    MM Packaging adds first Nilpeter press for Dublin site
    Polytag develops new UV tag reading technology
    Enterprise Print Group adds Screen Truepress Jet L350UV SAI E
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    What You’re Reading on Nonwovens-Industry.com
    Kimberly-Clark Supports Period Poverty Initiative in Australia
    Suominen Reports Q4, Full Year Results
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    ODT's Most-Read Stories This Week—Feb. 4
    Toetal Solutions Secures $1.8 Million in New Financing
    Adrian Tyndall Joins Axogen's Board of Directors
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Weekly Recap: CES 2023, ams OSRAM and Celanese Top This Week’s Stories
    Zebra Provides East West Shrine Bowl with RFID Tracking Technology
    AAAS Elects Three ORNL Scientists as Fellows

    Copyright © 2023 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