As the saying goes, timing is everything. The 2020 International Food Information Council Food & Health Survey was conducted in April 2020, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, that backdrop must be considered when looking at the results. Yes, consumer beliefs and actions have made a major shift. The question is, will those changes remain?
It’s not surprising that cooking at home is the biggest change for 8 in 10 Americans. Along with that, they are snacking more, washing fruits and vegetables more, and just giving more thought to food choices.
Going to the grocery store has decreased since consumers make fewer trips to the store each week. Online grocery shopping has gone up.
Food safety concerns about food have increased and more than a third of consumers avoid some foods and beverages. Keep in mind, COVID-19 has not been found to spread through food or food packaging. Consumers are more concerned about food safety when grocery shopping online.
In spite of all the challenges with COVID-19, 67% of respondents are at least somewhat confident in the overall safety of the food supply.
Download the entire report at https://foodinsight.org/2020-food-and-health-survey/.
By: Ashley Svaty
