More than one in three U.S. consumers are following a specific diet or eating pattern, and they are increasingly averse to carbohydrates and sugar, according to the 13th Annual Food and Health Survey, released today by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation.

1. Vegetables
Vitamins
& Minerals Fruits
2018 FOOD & HEALTH
Consumers
Follow Diets1/3
Protein
10%
80% 59%
7%
5%
4%
2017
2018
There is a
lot of
conflicting
information
about what
foods to eat
or avoid
Conflicting
information
makes us
doubt our
food
choices
2018 2018
Food Values/ Labels
Factor in Consumers’
Decision-Making
They are
increasingly
averse to
carbohydrates
and sugar
By The International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation
7%
4%
33% 25%
16%
3%
17%
3%
5%
5%
14%
36%
Top Desired
Benefit
Top Diets
Protein
was most
frequently
identified
16%
Americans are
following
a carbohydrate-
restricted diet
Consumers
18-34years of age
were more likely to follow a
specific eating pattern or diet
Paleo
10%
Low-carb
Whole30 Ketogenic/High-FatHigh-Protein
Intermittent
Fasting
Sugars
ProteinAll sources
Carbohydrates
Fats
Nutrient Blamed
For Weight Gain
But Consumers Don’t Know How To Achieve It
Cardiovascular Health Is The Top Desired Benefit
@foodinsight @Foodinsight / @FACTSfollowers Foodinsight.org
2017
2018
2017
2018
Energy
14%
13%
Weight
Management
18%
32%
Cardiovascular
Health 20%
16%
10%
16%
29%
25%
Natural
Foods
& Beverages
Organic
Foods
& Beverages
33%
59%
50%
27%
37%
31%
Sustainable
Foods
Production
Affordable
Food
Supply
Less
Pesticides
Food