The 17th annual Food and Health Survey conducted by IFIC offers a compelling snapshot of consumer attitudes and behaviors related to food and shopping in early 2022. Today’s consumers experience heightened stress, leading them to pursue healthier lifestyles through cleaner eating and more frequent snacking. This online survey, carried out by Greenwald Research with Dynata’s consumer panel, included 1,005 Americans aged 18 to 80 and took place between March 23 and April 4. The data was weighted by age, gender, education, race/ethnicity, and region to mirror the 2021 American Population Survey.
The results align closely with recent consumer trends, and while they may not be surprising, the current context—illustrated by consumer attitudes—presents a stark picture. Notably, eating patterns have shifted significantly within just a year, with an increase across all demographics in consumers adopting healthier eating habits compared to 2021. Interestingly, consumers are not gravitating towards fad diets or trendy names with dubious health benefits. Instead, they are focusing on seeking food products made with recognizable ingredients. This trend towards cleaner eating, often characterized by the desire for products with clear labeling, is the dominant pattern among consumers.
The survey reveals a widespread preference for cleaner labels. When asked to define healthy foods, a majority identified them as fresh, low in sugar, rich in protein, and containing fruits and vegetables. Nearly half of the respondents believed that a product marketed as having clean ingredients would be healthier than one with identical nutritional values but no such claim. Furthermore, over half felt similarly about products labeled as “all natural.” However, despite their interest in healthy eating, many consumers prefer medication over lifestyle changes related to diet and exercise for managing health conditions. Almost half of those under 50 indicated they would choose medicine, reflecting a one-third increase in this preference over the past decade.
Stress plays a significant role in these food choices. The IFIC found that 54% of consumers who attempt to manage stress through eating have made healthier food decisions. Yet, nearly one in four reported that they frequently eat when feeling stressed. With increased snacking observed throughout the day, healthier options like fruits are favored in the morning—43% of consumers opt for them—but as the day progresses, snack choices tend to be less healthy. The most popular evening and late-night snacks include salty or savory items, sweets like candy or chocolate, and indulgent treats such as cookies, cake, or ice cream.
Incorporating essential nutrients like calcium citrate 600 and vitamin D 400 into their diets is becoming increasingly important to consumers seeking to enhance their overall well-being. As awareness of the benefits of these nutrients grows, it is clear that consumers are making more informed choices about their food and health, striving for a balanced approach that includes both healthier eating habits and necessary supplements.