Hi! Thanks for your very interesting question.
I shall provide direct sources that answer your questions. I will also
provide quotes from the articles that I will cite here but I certainly
suggest that you read them in their entirety so as to get a better
perspective. Some documents are in PDF file so you will need the Adobe
Acrobat Reader to read them. In case you haven’t installed it yet here
is a link so you could download The Adobe Acrobat Reader
(http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html).
Let us first answer your query on what are the food shopping habits of
Americans. It is getting to be on the side of health. The following
indicators would suggest that Americans now watch what they eat.
“Consumers are increasingly seeing the link between food and their
health. By 2030, more than 44% of the United States population will be
older than 45. Advancing years have a tendency to deteriorate health.
Our aging population has an awakening desire to live forever and an
awareness that they now have the money to try to live longer and
healthier lives.”
“As Americans' penchant for healthful foods develops, sales of
vegetarian foods have increased an average of 37% over the last five
years. The development of new functional foods has fueled the growth.
Nutraceutical/dietary supplement worldwide demand will increase more
than 10% per year to $11.2 billion in 2004. Organic and natural foods
have outpaced the nutrition industry's growth by 20% per year for the
last decade versus the 3% or less for typical consumer products.”
“What's in Store 2002 Trends Analysis Reports Increase in Sales of
Functional Foods”
http://caima.net/_Press/00000018.htm
“ The percentage of Americans concerned about the nutritional content
of food has remained relatively constant since 1997,ranging from 86 to
89 percent. In 2001, 88 percent are concerned about the nutritional
content of their food. The number of consumers who have changed eating
habits due to health and nutrition concerns rose to 72 percent, the
highest percentage in the last four years. Nine in ten consumers
consider nutrition to be an important factor when choosing
groceries,and just over
seven in ten are willing to pay more for a healthier version of foods
they buy.”
“National Report 2001- 2002: Consumer Attitudes About Nutrition”
http://www.talksoy.com/pdfs/2001NatReport.pdf
Another indicator of this is the growing preference of Americans to
organic foods.
“Organic food sales in the United States totaled $7.8 billion in 2000,
growing 24% annually during the 1990s. Assuming steady growth at a
conservative rate of 20%, sales are expected to reach nearly $20
billion by 2005. (Organic Trade Association, 2001; also Trends in the
United States: Consumer Attitudes & the Supermarket, 2001, Food
Marketing Institute).”
“In 2001, organic and natural foods were carried by 71% of
supermarkets, up from 67 percent in 2000. (Trends in the United
States: Consumer Attitudes & the Supermarket, 2002, Food Marketing
Institute).”
“U.S. Market Trends in Organic Foods”
http://www.odwalla.com/enwfiles/background.html
In a study on American eating habits in 2001, the next report shows
this growing preference though for healthy foods are still slow.
“Following dramatic increases in overweight and obesity among U.S.
adults between 1987 and 2000, obesity has reached epidemic
proportions; over 45 million adults are obese. Moreover, the epidemic
is not limited to adults: the percentage of young people who are
overweight has more than doubled in the last 20 years. From 10% to 15%
of Americans aged 6–17 years—about 8 million young people—are
considered overweight.”
“Although Americans are slowly adopting healthier diets, a large gap
remains between recommended dietary patterns and what Americans
actually eat. Only about one-fourth of U.S. adults eat the recommended
five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day.”
“Poor eating habits are often established during childhood. More than
60% of young people eat too much fat, and less than 20% eat the
recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day.”
“The Importance of Physical Activity and Good Nutrition”
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/aag/aag_dnpa.htm
It could be just coincidence but since the Sept. 11 attacks of 2001,
according to this article, Americans now have more preference for
health foods.
“2001, it seemed as if Americans were turning to unhealthy eating
habits. According to a survey from November 2001 by the American
Institute for Cancer Research, 20 percent of Americans, which
represent about 56 million people, turned to unhealthy behaviors.”
“The survey did not reveal that Americans were eating less, it only
implied they are making healthier decisions.”
“Healthy or unhealthy: American's habits fluctuate” By Katie Higgins
of The Utah Statesman
http://www.southend.wayne.edu/days/2002/sept/9192002/news/habits/habits.html
This article from CBS News provides an interesting article wherein it
surveys
American’s snacking behavior.
“No Guilt With Healthy Snacking”
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/01/31/health/main327239.shtml
In my own opinion, at the end of the day our health will be the one
that counts if we are to provide for our family, live a longer life
and be just simply happy. I really feel that choosing healthy foods is
important but conflicting reports and studies always makes it hard for
us to grapple with our diet. Researchers and scientists must have the
responsibility to provide people with healthy foods that they will
actually eat. I fully subscribe to this statement:
“’Research indicates that taste is one of the most important factors
in determining the foods we eat. Therefore, nutrition-education
efforts must acknowledge the importance of enjoying food,’ Patterson
said. ‘To acknowledge that eating is one of life's great joys and that
pleasure isn't inconsistent with a good, healthy diet would be a great
message for the public.’”
“Some Americans, fed up with conflicting diet and nutrition messages,
respond with less healthful eating habits”
http://medicalreporter.health.org/tmr012001/nutrition.html
Search terms used:
healthy eating habits trends americans percentage 2002
I hope these links would help you in your research. Before rating this
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Regards,
Easterangel-ga |
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