What Influences Americans’ Food Choices?
What’s for dinner?
It’s a deceptively simple question, asked millions of times every day. However, the myriad factors that go into answering it—from cost to convenience to climate change—make it clear why we spend so much time thinking about the food we eat. And this doesn’t even account for breakfast, lunch, or snacks.
Considering the trillions of dollars spent and our collective risk of developing various chronic diseases, understanding what drives Americans’ food choices is vital. The International Food Information Council (IFIC) conducts an annual survey on nutrition and health to delve into these choices.
“It’s about understanding the consumer’s mindset,” said Kris Sollid, a registered dietitian and senior director of nutrition communications for the industry-funded nonprofit.
The Importance of Taste
Over nearly two decades of IFIC surveys, taste has consistently ranked as the most important factor in food purchase decisions. It’s clear that no matter how health-conscious or eco-friendly a product is, if it doesn’t taste good, it won’t make it into the shopping cart.
Health Considerations
Health considerations are also top of mind for many Americans when deciding what to eat. For instance, protein has become a popular daily nutrient, with 20% of respondents in the 2024 survey stating they were eating a “high protein” diet, up from just 4% five years ago. This shift underscores the growing awareness of the role of protein in maintaining muscle strength and overall health.
Reducing Harmful Ingredients
Americans are increasingly trying to cut down on ingredients that are detrimental to their health. According to the IFIC survey, 50% of respondents are actively trying to limit or avoid sodium or salt, which can lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, 44% are working to reduce their intake of saturated fats, which can cause LDL cholesterol to build up in the blood vessels, raising the risk of heart disease and stroke.
However, the biggest enemy is sugar. Two-thirds of respondents are trying to limit their sugar intake, and 11% are attempting to avoid it entirely. Consuming too much sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. Therefore, many are targeting added sugars in packaged foods and drinks, driven by concerns about current and future health.
Environmental Concerns
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in food choices. In the 2024 survey, about 30% of respondents said the durability of an item was very important when making purchasing decisions about what to eat and drink. While this may seem low, it is a significant indicator that more people are considering the environmental impact of their food choices.
Interestingly, more than 70% of respondents care about whether their food is made with the environment in mind. However, the lack of a clear definition of what makes a food environmentally sustainable complicates this consideration. Environmentally conscious consumers often look for clues like packaging labels and company transparency to guide their choices.
The Impact of Stress on Food Choices
The connection between food and stress is a two-way street: stress affects the foods we choose, and the foods we choose can cause stress. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted this relationship, revealing various sources of anxiety, including economic and food insecurity. Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported facing significant stress, up from 60% in 2023. Money and health issues are the biggest stressors, with food choices weighing heavily on nearly one in four people.
Nearly two-thirds of people indicated that their mental and emotional well-being significantly impacts their diet. Among those who are stressed, about half said their food and drink choices suffer as a result. However, a small number respond to stress by seeking healthier options.
Conclusion
Understanding the myriad factors that influence Americans’ food choices is crucial for making informed decisions about what we eat. From taste and health considerations to reducing harmful ingredients and considering environmental impacts, various elements play a role in shaping our dietary habits. Additionally, stress and mental well-being significantly influence our food choices, highlighting the complex relationship between our emotions and eating habits.
By gaining insight into these factors, we can better navigate the food landscape and make choices that not only satisfy our taste buds but also promote our health and well-being, while being mindful of the planet.
Explore these insights and understand what drives your food choices to make healthier, more sustainable decisions. Happy eating!