Organic Shoppers Want Functional Foods: Survey

According to this survey, consumers are most interested in foods with organic ingredients (65%) and low sodium products (47%). Also of interest are low fat/cholesterol items (39%) and vegetarian items (31%). Other popular choices include functional food products with added calcium (44%), omega-3 (44%), antioxidants (43%), probiotics/prebiotics (38%), and vitamin D (30%).

Ingredient-free foods are also a source of interest. Shoppers are the most likely to purchase gluten/wheat-free (25%), dairy-free (9%), soy-free (6%), and peanut-free (4%) food products.

Packaging also influences consumer purchases; 40% of consumers say they tried a new brand or switched brands due to more earth-friendly packaging; 66% say they have purchased products with recyclable packaging, while 44% say they have made purchases with compostable/biodegradable packaging. The most appealing packaging options to consumers include compostable/biodegradable, reusable, and refillable packaging.