Are Americans knowledgeable about healthy eating habits? | Lifestyle

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Americans are increasingly buying healthy foods not just for their nutritional value, but also because they are trendy. A recent survey of 2,000 adults conducted by Talker Research for Zeal Creamery revealed that 30% of Americans admit to purchasing healthy foods because they are in vogue.

Despite this trend, the survey found that 65% of respondents rated their grocery shopping habits as at least somewhat healthy. However, when it comes to priorities, healthiness ranked fourth behind cost, quality, and personal and household preferences.

Interestingly, 82% of respondents opt for products that use “healthwashing” terms, which are labels intended to convey a product’s health benefits. Terms like “multigrain,” “sugar-free,” and “organic” were among the most popular choices. Additionally, terms like “high-in” and “free-range” were viewed positively by respondents.

Organic produce emerged as the top grocery category that Americans would be willing to splurge on, with 25% of respondents expressing a willingness to pay more for organic products.

While Americans are confident in their understanding of terms like “organic,” “sugar-free,” and “multigrain,” they are less sure about terms like “reduced,” “fortified with,” and “light” products. This lack of clarity leads to confusion, with nearly a third of respondents feeling overwhelmed by the labels on their food while shopping.

Misinformation also abounds, with many respondents believing that fresh produce is always healthier than canned, frozen, or dried options. Additionally, there are misconceptions about dairy milk alternatives and the sustainability of dairy farming practices.

Sustainability emerged as an important factor for one in six respondents when grocery shopping. However, few were aware of the environmental impact of products like rice, soybeans, mineral water, and almond milk.

The survey also revealed that a significant portion of respondents view the dairy industry’s impact on greenhouse gas emissions negatively. There was a discrepancy between the perceived contribution of the dairy industry to greenhouse gas emissions and the actual figures reported by organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Overall, the survey highlighted the need for better education around food labels, sustainability, and the environmental impact of food choices. With a growing interest in healthy eating and sustainability, there is an opportunity for consumers to make more informed decisions about their food purchases.

The survey was conducted between April 11 and April 15, 2024, and involved 2,000 general population Americans. It was commissioned by Zeal Creamery and conducted by Talker Research, a market research company.