This special report presents the results of the 2015 Food and Health Survey, focusing specifically on the responses of the 299 Millennials who participated.
For this report, Millennials are defined as those between the ages of 18 and 34. In addition, this report also highlights subgroup differences within the Millennial generation.
2. International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
Background & Methodology
• This special report presents the results of the 2015 Food and Health Survey, focusing specifically on the responses of the
299 Millennials who participated.
• For this report, Millennials are defined as those between the ages of 18 and 34. In addition, this report also highlights
subgroup differences within the Millennial generation. These subgroups include:
• Age groups (18-25, 26-29, 30-34)
• Male vs. Female
• Education (College grad vs. less than college)
• Race/Ethnicity (White vs. minority)
• Parents vs. non-parents
• The survey was conducted by Greenwald & Associates, using ResearchNow’s consumer panel. Fielding took place from
March 13 to March 26, 2015. The duration of the survey was 29 minutes, on average.
• The results were weighted to ensure that they are reflective of the American population, as seen in the 2014 Current
Population Survey. Specifically, they were weighted by age, education, gender, race/ethnicity, and region.
2
• Those married (or living with a partner) vs. those who are not
• Higher (Overweight/Obese) vs. Lower (Normal/Low) BMI
• Household Income (Less than $35K, $35K-$74K, $75K or more)
• Open to experiences vs. less open to experiences (constructed using the Ten-Item
Personality Inventory (TIPI))
3. International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
Open to experiences: a big 5
personality trait
• Openness to Experiences
• Open-minded
• Curious
• Reflective
• Creative
3
The Big 5 Personality Traits are constructed using Gosling, Rentfrow, and Swann’s (2003) Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). Please see their 2003 Journal Of Research In Personality article for more details.
5. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
Net: 4-5
Groups more likely to
try to control:
77%
College grads, Open to
experiences
64%
Open to experiences,
Income $35k-$74k
57%
Women, Open to
experiences,
Income $75k+
57%
Women, College grads,
Open to experiences,
Income $75k+
57%
Open to experiences,
Income $75k+
54%
Women, College grads,
Minority
50%
Open to experiences,
Has spouse/partner
46%
32%
31%
30%
27%
25%
21%
31%
31%
26%
27%
30%
30%
29%
17%
25%
26%
26%
27%
27%
32%
3%
4%
10%
10%
10%
11%
9%
3%
4%
6%
4%
6%
6%
5%
3%
3%
Happiness
Amount of money you make
Physical attractiveness
Weight
Level of physical activity
Healthfulness of your diet
Safety of the foods and beverages you consume
5 (A great deal) 4 3 2 1 (Not at all) Not sure
5
Millennials are trying hardest to control happiness and income.
How much do you try to control the following in your own life?
n=299; Percentages under 3% are not labeled.
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
(55%)
6. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
6
90%
72%
68%
65%
68%
60%
58%
66%
57%
49%
51%
48%
50%
43%
Happiness
Amount of money you make
Physical attractiveness
Weight
Level of physical activity
Healthfulness of your diet
Safety of the foods and beverages you consume
Open to
experiences
Less open to
experiences
Millennials who are open to experiences are more likely to
try to control their happiness, wealth, and health.
Open to experiences (n=134), Less open to experiences (n=165)
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. subgroups.
How much do you try to control the following in your own life?
Net 4-5 out of 5
7. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
How much of an impact do the following have on your decision to buy foods and beverages?
(% Rating 4 to 5 on 5-point scale, from No Impact to A Great Impact)
2015 n=1,007
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. 2014.
85%
88%
84%
87% 86% 87% 87%
89% 90%
64%
72%
70%
74% 73%
79%
73%
71%
73%
58%
65%
62% 61%
58% 66%
61%
64%
71%
48%
55% 55%
52%
56%
58%
53%
56%
51% 52%52%
35% 36%
38%
35%
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Taste
Price
Healthfulness
Convenience
Sustainability
Taste, price, and healthfulness drive food and beverage
purchasing in the general population.
8. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
Net: 4-5 Groups more likely to select:
80% Women, Open to experiences
70% Women
62%
Women, Open to experiences, Has
spouse/partner
58%
40% Open to experiences, Has spouse/partner
8
How much of an impact do the following have on your decision to buy foods and beverages?
Taste, price, and healthfulness are also the main drivers that
influence Millennials’ food and beverage purchasing.
52%
42%
30%
27%
15%
28%
29%
32%
30%
25%
16%
21%
30%
32%
43%
6%
5%
7%
11%
3%
3%
3%
6%
Taste
Price
Healthfulness
Convenience
Sustainability
5 (A great impact) 4 3 2 1 (No impact)
n=299; Percentages under 3% are not labeled.
(83%)
(68%)
(60%)
(52%)
(35%)
9. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
9
75%
60%
53%
55%
41%
85%
81%
70%
61%
39%
Taste
Price
Healthfulness
Convenience
Sustainability
Men
Women
How much of an impact do the following have on your decision to buy foods and beverages?
Net rated 4-5 out of 5
Taste, price, and healthfulness influence Millennial women
more than Millennial men.
Men (n=139), Women (n=160)
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. subgroups.
10. Sustainability
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
10
Nearly 40% of Millennials believe a sustainable diet means
eating balanced, nutritious meals.
37%
27%
21%
20%
20%
20%
20%
Represent a balanced, nutritious
meal
Are affordable and readily
available
Are locally produced
Have a smaller impact on the
environment
Are produced in a socially
responsible way
Are organic
Create less food waste
A sustainable diet means that the foods you eat…
(Please select up to 3.)
16%
15%
14%
14%
9%
2%
3%
Have a smaller carbon footprint
Are produced using less pesticides
Have a longer shelf-life
Are produced without using genetic
engineering
Use fewer natural resources in
production
Are produced using genetic
engineering
Other
n=299
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
Groups more likely to select:
Parents
Ages 18-29, Less than college
Income $75k+
Ages 26-29, College grads
College grads, Income $35k-$74k
Groups more likely to select:
College grads, Income $75k+
Ages 30-34, Income <$35k
Less than college
Less than college
No spouse/partner
Less than college, White(13%) (8%)
11. Sustainability
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
Groups more likely to select:
Minority
Lower BMI, Income $75k+
Minority, Income $35k+
Income $75k+
Higher BMI, Has spouse/partner, Income $35k+
Income $35k-$74k
White, Income <$35k
11
Which of the following, if any, do you do on a regular basis (that is, most times when you shop for food and beverages)?
Buy foods because they are advertised on the label as… (Check all that apply.)
n=299
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population
“Natural” or “organic” food labels influence Millennial
purchasing choices.
47%
38%
33%
25%
21%
16%
30%
Natural
Organic
No added hormones or
steroids
Raised without antibiotics
Locally sourced
Sustainably sourced
None of the above
(40%)
(30%)
(10%)
(37%)
12. Sustainability
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
12
Income drives Millennial purchasing of certain labeled foods.
<$35K (n=69), $35K-$74K (n=113), $75K+ (n=79)
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences between subgroups.
Which of the following, if any, do you do on a regular basis (that is, most times when you shop for food and beverages)?
Buy foods because they are advertised on the label as… (Check all that apply.)
48%
27%
16%
13%
9%
8%
42%
40%
39%
42%
25%
24%
22%
25%
54%
48%
34%
40%
33%
17%
21%
Natural
Organic
No added hormones or steroids
Raised without antibiotics
Locally sourced
Sustainably sourced
None of the above
<$35K
$35K-$74K
$75K+
Household Income:
13. What are Millennials’ thoughts
on money, time, and the
future?
International Food Information Council Foundation
13
14. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
66%
24%
22%
20%
20%
19%
15%
9%
8%
Save, invest, pay off debt
Pay for household expenses or home repairs
Shop (for anything other than groceries)
Spend more money on groceries
Spend more on travel
Spend more on entertainment
Put towards a gym membership or athletic activities
Spend more on dining out
Donate money to a charity or church
Groups more likely to select:
College grads
Parents, Has spouse/partner, Income <$35k
Ages 18-25, Ages 30-34, No spouse/partner
Income $35k-$74k
College grads, No kids, Income $75k+
White, No spouse/partner
Lower BMI
14
If you had an extra $100 to spend every month, what would you likely do with
that money? (Please select up to 3 options.)
n=299
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
If given extra money, Millennials would spend it on groceries,
entertainment, or fitness.
(13%)
(13%)
(9%)
15. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
15
Millennials are equally divided when asked to choose
between losing money or gaining weight.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
“I would rather lose $1,000 than gain 20 pounds.”
24% 25%
22% 23%
7%
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Not sure
2015 n=299
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
Groups more likely to rather lose
the money vs. gain the weight:
• College grads
• Income $35k+
• Women
48%STRONGLY/SOMEWHAT AGREE
(56%)
16. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
16
40%
33%
30%
23%
21%
18%
18%
17%
15%
14%
10%
5%
4%
4%
Exercising
Relaxing/Sleeping
Spending time/socializing with friends and family
Using electronic devices
Practicing a hobby
Other household chores/tasks
Watching TV
Reading
Cooking or baking
Keep better track of your exercise/health/diet
Working
Grocery shopping
Volunteering for a charity/Church activities
Shopping (for anything besides groceries)
If you suddenly had an extra 4 hours every week, how would you likely spend that time? (Please select up to 3 options.)
Millennials would use spare time exercising, relaxing, or socializing,
and more Millennials would spend time on electronic devices.
Groups more likely to select:
College grads, Income $35k-$74k, Women
Ages 18-25, No spouse/partner
Parents, Income $75k+
Men, Less than college
Open to experiences
Parents, Has spouse/partner
Men, Less open to experiences, No spouse/partner
Ages 18-25, Lower BMI
Ages 26-29, College grads
Less open to experiences, No spouse/partner, Income $35k-$74k
Income $35k-$74k
n=299
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
(17%)
(7%)
17. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
17
33%
31%
23%
13%
15%
4%
47%
14%
12%
18%
14%
7%
Exercising
Using electronic devices
Watching TV
Cooking or baking
Keep better track of your exercise/health/diet
Grocery shopping
Men
Women
If you suddenly had an extra 4 hours every week, how would you likely spend that time? (Please select up to 3 options.)
Given additional free time, Millennial men would use it to
watch TV, while Millennial women would hit the gym.
Men (n=139), Women (n=160)
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. subgroups.
18. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
18
2015 n=299; If made resolution n=133
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
69%
11%
8%
12%
Change to both diet and exercise
A new exercise routine or exercise
goals
Changes to your diet or the food you eat
Neither diet nor exercise
Did your 2015 New Year’s Resolution include:
30%
61%
9%
Yes, strictly following
Yes, somewhat following
No
Are you still following your 2015 New Year’s Resolution?
Millennials are more likely to have made a New Year’s
resolution involving changes to diet and exercise.
46%MADE A NEW YEAR’S
RESOLUTION FOR 2015
(29%)
19. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
19
If you time-traveled 30 years into the future and found that the following had
been invented, how excited would you be to try…?
2015 n=299
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
Millennials are excited about future nutrition innovation and
inventions that can make custom, nutritious and fast meals.
Groups more likely to be excited:
Open to experiences, Age 18-25, Income
<$35k55%
49%
53%
34%
34%
27%
89%
83%
79%
An appliance that can turn raw ingredients into any meal
Food that has customizable nutritional value/calories
A 3D printer that can make any food you want from scratch
Very excited Somewhat excited
(43%)
(40%)
(39%) (69%)
(80%)
21. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
21
8%
9%
25%
33%
12%
13%
Zero
Some, but less than 15 minutes
15 minutes to less than 30 minutes
30 minutes to less than 45 minutes
45 minutes to less than an hour
An hour or more
How much time do you personally spend cooking or preparing dinner on the
average weekday?
n=299
Nearly 6 in 10 millennials spend 15-45 minutes making dinner.
17%LESS THAN 15 MINUTES
58%15-44 MINUTES
25%45+ MINUTES
Groups more likely to select:
Men, No spouse/partner
No spouse/partner
White
Ages 26-29, Minority, Has spouse/partner,
Income $75k+
Minority, Open to experiences
(19%)
(52%)
(29%)
22. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
22
9%
12%
26%
40%
7%
7%
7%
6%
23%
25%
18%
20%
Zero
Some, but less than 15 minutes
15 minutes to less than 30 minutes
30 minutes to less than 45 minutes
45 minutes to less than an hour
An hour or more
White
Minority
Minority Millennials are twice as likely to spend >45 minutes
preparing dinner.
White (n=189), Minority (n=110)
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. subgroups.
How much time do you personally spend cooking or preparing dinner on the
average weekday?
23. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
23
How important is it to you to be able to customize (or personalize) your food at restaurants?
Millennials want to customize their food at restaurants.
2015 n=299, Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
27%
42%
19%
6%
3% 2%
Very important Somewhat important Neither important
nor unimportant
Somewhat
unimportant
Very unimportant Don't know
69%WANT TO CUSTOMIZE FOOD
Who is more likely to see it as
important?
• Women
24. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
Net: Doing Groups more likely to be doing:
82%
Women, College grads, Minority, Open to
experiences
64%
College grads, Has spouse/partner,
Income $35k+
67%
Women, College grads, Minority, Has
spouse/partner, Income $35k-$75k
70%
Women, College grads, Parents, Higher
BMI, Has spouse/partner
69%
Women, College grads, Open to
experiences, Has spouse/partner
54%
Age 18-25, Women, Minority, Has
spouse/partner
54% Minority, Has spouse/partner
59%
Women, College grads, Minority, Parents,
Has spouse/partner
56%
College grads, Has spouse/partner,
Income $35k+
54%
Minority, Parents, Higher BMI, Has
spouse/partner
21%
25%
25%
26%
26%
28%
30%
33%
34%
35%
33%
31%
34%
28%
28%
41%
40%
34%
30%
47%
35%
34%
31%
33%
37%
23%
23%
23%
27%
11%
11%
10%
10%
13%
9%
8%
7%
10%
9%
7%
Cut back on full fat dairy and replace with a low- or no-fat alternative
Balance calories to manage my weight
Cut back on foods higher in salt
Cut back on foods higher in solid fats
Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals, and choose the
foods with lower…
Eat more foods with whole grains
Cut calories by drinking water, low and no calorie beverages
Cut back on foods higher in added sugars
Consume smaller portions
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Began in Past Year Doing for More Than a Year Not Currently Doing Not Sure
24
Over the past year, which of the following, if any, have you made an effort to do?
Fewer Millennials are adopting healthful habits such as eating
smaller portions and cutting back on sugars and calories.
2015 n=299; Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
(37%)
(43%)
(50%)
(36%)
(38%)
(43%)
(76%)
(61%)
25. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
25
49%
49%
33%
24%
22%
19%
17%
16%
16%
8%
7%
7%
6%
5%
9%
Changing the types of food eaten
Making sure I get enough physical activity
Eating smaller meals or snacks
Changing how often I eat throughout the day
Controlling higher calorie food and beverages
Weighing myself on a regular basis
Keeping track of calories
Support of family/friends
Having a workout buddy
Using a digital tracker
Working with a personal trainer
Workplace wellness programs/incentives
Participating in a weight loss program
Working with a health professional
None of the above
Which of the following would contribute/has contributed the most to your success in maintaining/losing weight?
(Select up to 4 options.)
Types of food and physical activity are important for weight, yet fewer
Millennials are watching portion sizes or higher calorie foods/beverages.
Groups more likely to select:
Women, Open to experiences
Women, Open to experiences, Income $35k-$74k
Women, Open to experiences
College grads, Income $75k+
Ages 30-34, Men
College grads
Ages 18-25, Women
Income <$35k
Parents
Less than college, Less open to experiences,
No spouse/partner
n=299
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
(41%)
(30%)
(10%)
26. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
26
45%
35%
33%
30%
30%
27%
24%
22%
19%
15%
11%
9%
8%
3%
2%
Lack of time
Stress, demanding work or travel schedule
Cost of food, weight loss programs, or gym memberships
Lack of willpower
Lack of energy
Not seeing results quickly
Feeling hungry all the time
Limited options of foods and beverages that taste good
Get bored
Don't like the taste of foods/beverages I have to eat/drink
Lack of knowledge
Lack of support from friends/family
Dislike of physical activity
Other
None/Nothing
In an effort to lose/maintain weight, which of the following prevents you from staying on track? (Select up to 4 options.)
If trying to lose or maintain weight (Split Sample B) n=121
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
Lack of time, stress and work are major barriers to losing or
maintaining weight for Millennials.
Groups more likely to select:
Less than college, Minority, Income $35k-$74k
Less than college, Income <$35k
College grads
Income $35k-$74k
Ages 18-25
Open to experiences
No spouse/partner, Income <$35k
Ages 30-34, Parents
Women, Less than college, Income $35k-$74k
(31%)
(10%)
27. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
45%
36%
24%
17%
12%
6%
3%
29%
Family/friends support
An app or other means to track daily food/beverage intake
Weight loss plan
Medical professional
Online support group, blog, or other online community
Registered Dietitian
Other
I have not used any resources to help improve the healthfulness of my
diet
Groups more likely to select:
Open to experiences, Higher BMI
Women, College grads, Open to experiences,
Income $75k+
Women, Parents, Higher BMI
Ages 30-34, Less than college, Has
spouse/partner
Minority, Income $75k+
Income $75k+
Women, No kids, Income $35k-$74k
Men, White, Lower BMI, Income <$35k
27
Which of the following, if any, have you used in your efforts to improve the healthfulness of your diet? (Select all that apply.)
Millennials are turning to family/friends, apps or online
communities to improve their diets.
n=299
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
(32%)
(22%)
(6%)
28. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
Millennials trust a variety of sources for accurate nutrition
information, especially HCPs, friends and family, and bloggers.
28
68%
41%
33%
28%
27%
19%
8%
Your personal healthcare professional
A friend or family member
Health, food and nutrition bloggers
US government agencies
A food expert on TV
Farmer
Food company or manufacturer
Which one of these sources would you trust the most to provide accurate information about the types of food you should be eating?
(Please select up to 3.)
Groups more likely to select:
Parents
Ages 18-25, Men, No kids
Minority
Men
n=299
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
(34%)
(24%)
29. What do Millennials think
about nutrients?
International Food Information Council Foundation
29
30. Health and Diet
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
30
What source of calories are the most likely to cause weight gain?
Only 20% of Millennials believe that all sources of calories
influence weight gain equally.
26%
22%
17%
3%
20%
13% Sugars
Carbs
Fats
Protein
All sources are the same
Not sure
Groups more likely to select:
Open to experiences
Ages 18-25, Lower BMI
Men, Less open to experiences, Higher BMI
Ages 26-29
Men, Less than college, No kids, No
spouse/partner, Income <$35k
n=299
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
(27%)
31. Dietary Components
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
Net: Agree Groups more likely to agree:
87%
Women, College grads, Has
spouse/partner, Income $35k+
84%
Women, College grads,
Parents, Higher BMI, Income
$75k+
80% Women, Has spouse/partner
80% Has spouse/partner
73% College grads, Income $75k+
72% Women
64% College grads, Income $75k+
52%
31
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about protein?
Most Millennials recognize the importance of protein in their
diets and its benefits for heart and muscle health.
n=299; Percentages under 3% are not labeled.
58%
50%
44%
45%
32%
38%
26%
12%
28%
34%
37%
34%
41%
34%
38%
39%
3%
4%
4%
5%
9%
9%
22%
3%
7%
10%
11%
14%
14%
20%
18%
24%
19%
It is important to get enough protein in the diet
Protein can be part of a heart healthy diet
Protein can help maintain muscle during aging
Protein can enhance recovery from exercise
Distributing your intake throughout the day in meals
and snacks is the best way to consume protein
Protein helps people feel full
High protein diets can help with weight loss
Packaged foods can be healthful sources of protein
Agree strongly Agree somewhat Disagree somewhat Disagree strongly Not sure
32. Dietary Components
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
32
99%
92%
83%
87%
85%
76%
77%
53%
83%
82%
80%
77%
70%
70%
60%
51%
It is important to get enough protein in the diet
Protein can be part of a heart healthy diet
Protein can help maintain muscle during aging
Protein can enhance recovery from exercise
Distributing your intake throughout the day in meals
and snacks is the best way to consume protein
Protein helps people feel full
High protein diets can help with weight loss
Packaged foods can be healthful sources of protein
College grad
Less than college
College grads are more likely to recognize the benefits of
eating more protein.
College grad (n=91), Less than college (n=208)
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. subgroups.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about protein?
Net Agree
33. Dietary Components
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
37%
34%
21%
20%
19%
19%
40%
42%
50%
48%
61%
57%
23%
23%
28%
32%
20%
23%
Foods with protein are sometimes more expensive
I already get enough protein
Foods with protein spoil if not used quickly
Higher protein foods often have a lot of unhealthful components
I don’t know which foods contain protein
It takes too much time to prepare foods with protein
Yes, this is a reason No, this is not a reason Not sure Groups more likely to select “Yes”:
Women, Higher BMI
Income $35k+
Ages 18-25, No spouse/partner
Ages 18-29, No spouse/partner
33
Which of the following are reasons why you do not consume more protein than you do now?
Millennials perceive cost to be the biggest barrier to protein
consumption.
n=299
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
(15%)
(14%)
34. Dietary Components
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
Groups more likely to select:
Women, College grads, Open to
experiences
Women
Ages 18-25, Women
Women, College grads, Open to
experiences
Women
Ages 18-25, Women
College grads, Open to experiences
34
Do you believe that consuming higher amounts of protein is especially beneficial for any of the following
groups? (Percent “Yes”)
n=299
79%
72%
67%
59%
53%
48%
43%
40%
35%
Athletes
Active men and women ages 21-45
Active teenagers
Active people aged 65 or older
Pregnant women
Children under 12
Sedentary men and women ages 21-45
Sedentary teenagers
Sedentary people aged 65 or older
Most Millennials believe that athletes and active people
should eat higher amounts of protein.
35. Dietary Components
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
35
72%
64%
57%
51%
39%
45%
42%
34%
32%
85%
81%
78%
68%
66%
50%
45%
47%
38%
Athletes
Active men and women ages 21-45
Active teenagers
Active people aged 65 or older
Pregnant women
Children under 12
Sedentary men and women ages 21-45
Sedentary teenagers
Sedentary people aged 65 or older
Men
Women
Women Millennials are more likely to think that protein
is beneficial for specific groups.
Men (n=139), Women (n=160)
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. subgroups.
Do you believe that consuming higher amounts of protein is especially beneficial for any of the following
groups? (Percent “Yes”)
36. Dietary Components
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
36
How would you rate the healthfulness of each of the following types of fat?
Millennials realize the healthfulness of omega fatty acids, but
don’t fully understand the differences between different types of fats.
n=299; Percentages under 3% are not labeled
32%
21%
19%
8%
4%
5%
3%
4%
3%
3%
32%
26%
24%
22%
13%
12%
14%
8%
6%
6%
5%
4%
8%
10%
9%
20%
16%
16%
25%
13%
16%
14%
18%
17%
3%
3%
5%
11%
15%
14%
22%
23%
30%
10%
19%
18%
7%
9%
11%
11%
29%
17%
5%
16%
18%
24%
39%
42%
32%
43%
42%
27%
23%
27%
63%
40%
40%
Omega 3
Omega 6
Omega 9
Unsaturated
Monounsaturated
Polyunsaturated
Total fat
Trans
Saturated
Interesterified oil
Hydrogenated oil
Partially hydrogenated oil
Extremely healthful Somewhat healthful Neither healthful nor unhealthful Not very healthful Not at all healthful Unaware
Net: Healthful Groups more likely to see as healthful:
64% Ages 26-29, Women, College grads, Has spouse/partner
47% Women, Higher BMI
43% Women
30% College grads
17% College grads
17% College grads
16% Income $35k-$74k
11% Less than college, Minority, Income <$35k
10%
8% Minority, Less open to experiences
8%
7%
37. Dietary Components
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
37
Yes
34%
No
66%
If yes
Thinking about the last year, has your opinion changed
about the healthfulness of eating saturated fat?
n=299; If opinion changed=90
29%
71%
I believe eating saturated fat is more healthful
to eat than I used to
I believe eating saturated fat is less healthful to
eat than I used to
Please indicate how your opinion about the healthfulness of
eating saturated fat has changed.
1 in 3 Millennials have recently changed their view on the healthfulness
of saturated fat with the majority of those believing it to be less healthful.
Groups more likely to say yes:
• Minority
Groups more likely to view as more healthful:
• Men
• Less open to experiences
SUBGROUP
DIFFERENCES
SUBGROUP DIFFERENCES
38. Dietary Components
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
Net: Healthful Groups more likely to see as healthful:
69%
Ages 26-29, Women, Open to experiences,
Income $35k-$74k
67% Women, Open to experiences
63% Ages 26-29, Women, Has spouse/partner
44% Ages 26-29
42% Higher BMI
33% Ages 18-25
30%
25% Men
21% Higher BMI
34%
29%
32%
16%
14%
10%
5%
6%
7%
35%
37%
31%
29%
28%
23%
25%
20%
14%
11%
16%
14%
23%
20%
24%
25%
26%
24%
3%
5%
6%
4%
17%
19%
7%
5%
4%
7%
6%
4%
16%
13%
19%
26%
26%
35%
21%
24%
43%
Fish oil
Olive
Coconut
Sunflower
Soybean
Cocoa butter
Canola
Corn
Palm
Extremely healthful Somewhat healthful Neither healthful nor unhealthful Not very healthful Not at all healthful Unaware
38
How would you rate the healthfulness of each of the following types of oil?
n=299; Percentages under 3% are not labeled
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
Millennials rate fish oil as most healthful and are less likely to
rate certain oils (olive, sunflower, canola and corn) as healthful.
(79%)
(56%)
(49%)
(32%)
39. Dietary Components
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
39
Yes
31%
No
69%
If yes
Thinking about the last year, has your opinion changed
about the healthfulness of eating carbohydrates?
n=299; If opinion changed=90
41%
59%
I believe eating carbohydrates is more
healthful to eat than I used to
I believe eating carbohydrates is less healthful
to eat than I used to
Please indicate how your opinion about the healthfulness of
eating carbohydrates has changed.
3 in 10 Millennials have shifted their viewpoint on carbs, with
more believing that carbs are less healthful than once thought.
Groups more likely to say yes:
• Ages 18-25
• Minority
• Higher BMI
Groups more likely to view as more healthful:
• Ages 18-25
• Minority
SUBGROUP
DIFFERENCES
SUBGROUP DIFFERENCES
40. Dietary Components
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
Net: Concerned Groups more likely to be concerned
64%
Women, Open to experiences,
Has spouse/partner, Income $75k+
60%
Women, Open to experiences,
Has spouse/partner, Income $75k+
49%
Women, Open to experiences,
Higher BMI, Income $75k+
49%
Women, Has spouse/partner,
Income $75k+
31%
26%
18%
17%
33%
34%
31%
32%
19%
23%
28%
30%
7%
8%
13%
12%
9%
9%
10%
8%
Amount of sugar you consume
Type of sugar you consume
Amount of carbohydrates you consume
Type of carbohydrates you consume
Extremely concerned Somewhat concerned Neither concerned nor unconcerned Not very concerned Not at all concerned
40
How concerned are you, if at all, with the…
n=299
Millennials are more concerned about the type and amount
of sugars they consume than type and amount of carbohydrates.
41. Dietary Components
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
41
49%
47%
41%
36%
79%
72%
58%
63%
Amount of sugar you consume
Type of sugar you consume
Amount of carbohydrates you consume
Type of carbohydrates you consume
Men Women
Millennial women and those with higher incomes are more concerned
with the type and amount of sugars and carbohydrates they consume.
Men (n=139), Women (n=160)
<$35K (n=69), $35K-$74K (n=113), $75K+ (n=79)
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. subgroups.
How concerned are you, if at all, with the…
(Percent Concerned)
55%
50%
45%
38%
67%
62%
46%
51%
72%
71%
65%
63%
Amount of sugar you consume
Type of sugar you consume
Amount of carbohydrates you consume
Type of carbohydrates you consume
<$35K $35K-$74K $75K+
Household Income:
42. Dietary Components
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
Groups more likely to select “True”
Women, College grads, Open to experiences
Women, College grads, Open to experiences
College grads
College grads
68%
66%
50%
45%
13%
11%
20%
35%
20%
23%
30%
21%
Moderate amounts of sugars can be part of an overall
healthful diet
Sugars that are naturally found in foods and beverages
are more healthful than other sugars
People with diabetes can include some foods with sugars
as part of their total diet
It is not necessary to completely eliminate sugars from
your diet in order to lose weight
True False Not sure
42
As far as you know, which of the following statements, if any, are true?
Millennials believe moderate sugars intake can be part of a healthful
diet and that naturally-occurring sugars are more healthful than other sugars.
Indicates true statementn=299
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
43. Dietary Components
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
83%
77%
65%
57%
63%
62%
46%
41%
Moderate amounts of sugars can be part of an overall
healthful diet
Sugars that are naturally found in foods and
beverages are more healthful than other sugars
People with diabetes can include some foods with
sugars as part of their total diet
It is not necessary to completely eliminate sugars
from your diet in order to lose weight
College grad
Less than college
43
Indicates true statement
College grads are more likely to think that all of these
statements regarding sugars are true.
College grad (n=91), Less than college (n=208)
Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. subgroups.
As far as you know, which of the following statements, if any, are true?
(Percent True)
44. Dietary Components
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
56%
52%
51%
43%
26%
24%
22%
18%
14%
11%
10%
9%
9%
9%
8%
8%
8%
7%
7%
6%
6%
5%
4%
6%
5%
6%
10%
7%
37%
36%
20%
9%
39%
15%
47%
9%
53%
21%
37%
23%
41%
34%
44
What are Millennials avoiding and/or consuming?
n=299, Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
To what extent do you try to consume or avoid the following?% Try to limit or avoid entirely % Try to get a certain amount or as much as possible
1 Protein Ages 26-29, Women, Open to exp., Income $35k-$74k
Men Fiber Women, College grads, Open to exp., Income $35k+
Whole grains Women, College grads, Open to exp.
Income <$35k Calcium Women, College grads, Open to exp.
Parents Potassium College grads, Open to exp.
Men Omega-3 fats Women, Has spouse/partner
Minority, Less open to exp. Probiotics Ages 26-34, Women, College grads, Open to exp., Has spouse/partner, Income $75k+
Calories Ages 18-25
Parents, Open to exp. Caffeine No kids
Complex carbohydrates Parents, Income $75k+
Ages 30-34 Omega-6 fats Women
Fats/oils College grads
Ages 30-34, Women, Has spouse/partner Soy
Women, Open to exp. Sodium/salt Less open to exp.
Omega-9 fats Women
Women, Open to exp., Has spouse/partner, Income $75k+ Sugars in general
Ages 30-34, Women, Has spouse/partner Stevia Ages 18-25, Minority
Women, College grads, Has spouse/partner, Income $75k+ Low-calorie sweeteners in general Income $75k+
Income $35k-$74k Mono- and poly-unsaturated fats College grads
Minority, Has spouse/partner Cholesterol
Women, College grads, Has spouse/partner, Income $75k+ Preservatives
(47%) (13%)
(30%)
45. Dietary Components
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
26%
19%
41%
3%
9%
40%
52%
19%
29%
28%
44%
24%
29%
20%
12%
34%
19%
19%
9%
8%
6%
5%
5%
5%
4%
4%
4%
4%
4%
4%
3%
3%
3%
2%
2%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
45
What are Millennials avoiding and/or consuming?
To what extent do you try to consume or avoid the following?% Try to limit or avoid entirely % Try to get a certain amount or as much as possible
Women, College grads, Has spouse/partner Refined carbohydrates Income $75k+
Income $75k+ Gluten Ages 18-25
Women, No kids Trans fats
Higher BMI Monk fruit Minority, Lower BMI
Minority, Income $75k+ Flavonoids Ages 18-25
Women Saturated fats
Women, Has spouse/partner, Income $35k-$74k Added sugars
Women Lactose
Women Glucose Ages 30-34
Women, Open to exp., Income $35k-$74k Fructose Open to exp.
Women, College grads, Open to exp., Income $35k-$74k High fructose corn syrup Ages 18-25
Women, College grads, Income $35k+ Sucrose
College grads, Income $75k+ Monosodium glutamate (MSG) Income $35k-$74k
Women, Parents Food colors Ages 18-25
Acesulfame potassium
Ages 30-34, Women, College grads, Has spouse/partner Aspartame
Women Saccharin
Ages 30-34, Women, College grads, Has spouse/partner Sucralose
Steviol glycosides
Women Erythritol
n=299, Arrows indicate significant (.95 level) differences vs. general population.
(49%)
46. International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
Respondent Profile
46
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
47. International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
47
Age (n=299) Gender (n=299)
18 to 25 years old 26% Male 50%
26 to 29 years old 27 Female 50
30 to 34 years old 47
Education Children Under 18 in Household
Less than high school 6% 0 to 2 years old 17%
Graduated high school 35 3 to 6 years old 20
Some college (no degree) 24 7 to 12 years old 21
Associates degree or technical or vocational school 12 13 to 17 years old 9
Bachelor’s degree 17 There are no children under 18 in my household 52
Graduate/Professional work or degree 6 Prefer not to say 1
Race/Ethnicity Marital Status
White (Non-Hispanic) 56% Single 46%
Hispanic/Latino/Spanish descent 23 Married 37
Black or African American 14 Living with partner 14
Asian or Pacific Islander 8 Divorced 2
American Indian or Alaskan Native 4 Prefer not to say 1
Native Hawaiian --
Other 1
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
Respondent Profile
48. International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
48
International Food Information Council Foundation
Food and Health Survey 2015
Pregnant within past 12 months (n=160) Medical Conditions (n=299)
Yes 14% Stress/anxiety/depression 13%
No 86 Overweight/obesity 7
Region (n=299) ADHD 6
Northeast 18% High blood pressure 5
Midwest 21 High cholesterol 5
South 37 Diabetes 3
West 24 Heart disease 1
Household Income Cancer 1
Less than $35,000 25% Stroke <0.5
$35,000 to less than $50,000 20 None of the above 70
$50,000 to less than $75,000 18
$75,000 to less than $100,000 13 BMI score
$100,000 to less than $150,000 8 Normal or low 41%
$150,000 or more 3 Overweight 23
Don’t know 3 Obese 33
Prefer not to answer 10 No answer 4
Respondent Profile
Notas do Editor
Note:
This is data from the existing 2015 F&H Survey
The specific analysis of Millennials vs. the general population, but also within key Millennial subgroups.
This is confidential and slides will not be provided following the meeting. Once the full data analysis is complete, they’ll becoming publically available.
We asked our sample to describe themselves on a spectrum of 10 adjectives taken from peer-reviewed literature of the Big 5 Personality Traits. We’ve chosen to highlight the significant findings from those that show an “Openness to Experiences.” People that describe themselves in this way agree at least somewhat that they are:
Open-minded, Curious, Reflective and Creative.
Amount of money you make is something Millennials say they try to control more than the general population.
Next slide is on Open to Experiences…
Millennials who are more open to experiences are also more likely to try to take control over their happiness, wealth, physical attractiveness, weight, physical activity, and food safety
No significant differences observed in the general population. Note the consistency over time.
No significant differences observed in Millennials compare to the general population, with similar percentages impacting purchasing decisions, but there are significant differences between millennial men and women.
Taste, price and healthfulness have a greater impact on Millennial women.
The word sustainable is gaining in frequency and use.
Across the board, the majority of millennials believe that a sustainable diet means that the foods you eat represent a balanced, nutritious meal; are affordable and readily available, and are locally produced.
Interestingly, 1 in 5 millennials feel that a sustainable diet means that the foods you eat create less food waste up by 7% compared to the general pop
Also, more millennials seem to have defined what a sustainable diet means for them, as significantly less millennials selected “other” compared to the general population
Of note, education and income influence these responses greatly, with college grads caring more about environmental and social issues and less that college are concerned with cost, availability, and shelf life.
When looking at some key buzz words used on labels, natural, organic, and no added hormones or steroids are the words that millennials buy most often
Millennials buys goods labeled as, natural and organic, at significantly greater rates than the general population
Organic rises up above “No Added Hormones” among Millennials.
Additionally sustainably sourced is another word that affects millennial purchasing behavior
Moreover, compared to the general population, significantly less millennials selected none of the above
Q31
Megan…
Majority state would save, invest, or pay off debt with an extra $100 per month
Stratified by income and relationship status
Q3
Exercising, relaxing/sleeping, spending time/socializing are the top three responses from millennials
Women more likely to spend time exercising, cooking/baking, grocery shopping
Men more likely to use electronic devices, watch TV
Q9-12
Q8
So now that we know how millennials would spend extra money and time, what is their perspectives on food specific topics such as cooking and overall health?
Despite reports suggesting that millennials only want on-the-go, fast options, close to 60% of millennials spend between 15-45 minutes cooking/prepping dinner on the average workday
With over a quarter spending 45+ minutes on cooking/preparing dinner during the week
These numbers do not differ from the general population too much and we see a similar role that race and relationship play a role in defining these parameters
Again, relationship status play a role in delineating differences, with those without a spouse/partner spending less time. Interestingly as seen in the FHS, minorities spend more time preparing/cooking dinner, which leads us to our next slide
Q21
Q34
We have covered how much time spend on preparing/east, what are millennials’ thoughts on weight management strategies?
Top responses are changing the types of food eaten, making sure get enough physical activity, and eating smaller meals/snacks
However, this response is significantly less than the general pop
Additionally, controlling higher calorie food/bev are options that millennials feel that have contributed less to maintaining/losing weight
Interestingly, having a workout buddy is reported by more millennials that contribute to success in maintaining/losing weight
OTE stratefies among the top three options, indicating that these individuals may be more receptive to trying new techniques to maintain/lose weight
On the other side of the equation, lack of time, stress, demanding work/travel schedule, or cost of food, weight loss programs, or gym memberships top the list of items that prevent millennials from staying on track to lose/maintain weight.
Lack of time is significantly different from the general populations, with nearly 15% more millennials reporting this as a reason
Interestingly, significantly less millennials report that there is nothing preventing them from staying on track, indicating that this demographic has a multitude of barriers education and income plays a role in barriers
Not all is lost! Millennials are using different sources to improve healthfulness of their diets.
Many turn to family/friends, an app or other tracking program, or develop a weight loss plan.
The top two significantly differ with the general population, especially noted with millennials turing to more digital sources for support such as an app or online support group, blog, etc
Income, gender, race, and BMI influence
In addition to the data just discussed, millennials have a variety of sources that they trust for accurate and reliable food messages.
HCP tops the list with nearly 7 in 10 listing this as the number one source, followed by family/friends, and health, food, and nutrition bloggers, which are significantly different that what the general population reports.
This indicates a wider net that millennials look to for reliable information and indicate the importance that these different groups play.
Kris…
Sugars and Carbs are the most common answers.
Significant difference observed with “All Calorie Sources are the same” – Fewer Millennials view this as true.
Q35
Q35
The data for Millennials on protein is fairly consistent with the general population.
Differences observed with spoilage and the perceived unhealthful components that may be part of some high protein foods.
No difference between Millennials and the general population, but there are with gender within Millennials…
In nearly every response, women differ from men when it comes to which groups protein is especially beneficial for.
Millennials view omega fatty acids as the most healthful type of fat. 3 in 10 see unsaturated fats as healthful.
This disconnect with Millennials is the same observed in the general population – omega vs MUFA/PUFA
Of those that have changed their opinion, men are more like to view saturated fat as more healthful than they used to think.
Q40
With 6 in 10 now believing they’re less healthful.
Looking more closely, the youngest of Millennials and minorities are more likely to view carbs as more healthful than they used to think.
Millennials are more concerned about the amount of sugars they eat versus the type of sugars, similar to the general population with the amount and type of sugar being most top of mind.
Key differences within Millennials are seen between gender and income. Women and higher incomes are more concerned.
Q46
Q46
Calories. Similar to the data presented earlier, Millennials are less likely to be limiting or avoiding calories.
Some encouraging news on the fats front, fewer Millennials are avoiding the healthful MUFA and PUFA compared to the general poputlaion.