Foods labeled as "rich in antioxidants" are much more likely to be consumed "very frequently

Foods labeled as "rich in antioxidants" are much more likely to be consumed "very frequently" or "somewhat frequently" (40%) by American consumers compared to foods labeled as "antioxidants added" (25%).

Decision Analyst's Food Ingredients: What's Hot? report, based on a survey of 16,392 U.S. grocery shoppers, clearly indicates that consumers prefer the label copy "rich in" as opposed to "added," as shown in the table below for the ingredients omega-3 and iron.


Percent of American Consumers Who
Frequently Consume Products Described As...
--------------------------------------------------
Label Percent
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Rich in antioxidants 40%
Antioxidants Added 25%

Rich in Omega-3 27%
Omega-3 Added 19%

Rich in Iron 25%
Iron Added 15%

Base: 16,392 American Consumers
Question: How often do you consume foods and beverages described as
follows...? "Very/Somewhat Frequently"

"Our findings suggest that more Americans frequently consume products labeled 'rich in' these ingredients, compared to products that have the same ingredients 'added.' This is likely due to the perception that foods rich in an ingredient are more natural and less processed, compared to foods that have these ingredients added to them during the manufacturing process," said Diane Brewton, Senior Vice President of the Market Intelligence Group at Decision Analyst.

"Consumer perceptions and beliefs about ingredients contained in their foods, as well as nutritional information on food packaging, are important factors driving their purchase behavior. Understanding consumer knowledge and beliefs is crucial for food marketers, as this helps them effectively highlight healthful, or even 'magic,' product ingredients in messaging and packaging claims," continued Diane Brewton.

Methodology

The Food Ingredients: What's Hot? report is based on information from a comprehensive food and beverage consumption, restaurant behavior, health attitudes, and lifestyle management study sponsored by Decision Analyst. This comprehensive food industry study has been conducted monthly since January 2006 using Decision Analyst's American Consumer Opinion® Online panel. These data are based on a representative sample of 16,392 U.S. adult respondents. The survey results are accurate to one percentage point, plus or minus, at a 99% level of confidence.