The 17th Annual Food and Health Survey conducted by IFIC offers a revealing snapshot of consumer attitudes and behaviors towards food and shopping as of early 2022. Today’s shoppers are navigating heightened stress levels and are increasingly focused on improving their health through cleaner eating and more frequent snacking. This online survey, carried out by Greenwald Research using Dynata’s consumer panel, included 1,005 Americans aged 18 to 80 and took place between March 23 and April 4. The results were adjusted for age, gender, education, race/ethnicity, and region to mirror the findings of the 2021 American Population Survey.
The outcomes align with observed consumer trends over the past year, but quantifying these attitudes highlights the current situation and its implications for consumers starkly. One of the most notable shifts over the past year has been in eating patterns, with all demographics reporting an increase in conscious eating compared to 2021. However, consumers are not gravitating toward fad diets or trendy eating plans; rather, clean eating—characterized by a preference for food products with recognizable ingredients—has emerged as the leading trend.
The survey reveals a strong consumer preference for clearer labeling on food products. When asked to describe healthy foods, the majority of respondents cited fresh items, low sugar content, high protein sources, and the inclusion of fruits and vegetables. Nearly half of the participants indicated that they would consider a product with a label claiming clean ingredients to be healthier than an identical product lacking such a claim, while over half felt similarly about items labeled “all natural.”
Despite the desire for a healthier diet, many consumers still prefer medication over lifestyle changes to manage health conditions. Almost half of those under 50 reported a preference for medicine, a figure that has increased by approximately one-third in the past decade.
Underlying these dietary choices is the pervasive impact of stress. IFIC found that 54% of consumers who attempt to manage stress through eating have made healthier food choices. However, nearly one in four admitted to frequently eating in response to stress. As snacking habits evolve—evidenced by increases in snacking throughout the day—healthier options dominate in the morning, with 43% of consumers opting for fruits. Yet, as the day progresses, snack choices lean towards less healthy options, with popular evening snacks including salty or savory items, candy, chocolate, and treats like cookies, cake, or ice cream.
Interestingly, amidst these trends, some consumers are seeking supplements such as calcium citrate 1200 mg without vitamin D to enhance their overall health. This interest reflects a growing awareness of the importance of nutrients in conjunction with clean eating habits. As consumers continue to prioritize their health, the combination of dietary choices and supplementation will likely play a crucial role in shaping their food and health landscape in the coming years.