Download the survey here

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online survey among U.S. consumers to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about food allergens, intolerances, and sensitivities. One thousand adults ages 18 years and older completed the online survey from January 18-22, 2025, and respondents were weighted to ensure proportional results.

Key findings include:

• More than half of Americans say that either they or someone in their household has a food allergy, intolerance, and/or sensitivity—or that they know someone outside their household who does.
• One in four Americans report they or a member of their household have a food allergy, intolerance, and/or sensitivity.
• Unclear labeling is a top concern among those who know someone (including themselves) with a food allergy, intolerance, and/or sensitivity.
• Among those who know someone (including themselves) with a food allergy, intolerance, and/or sensitivity, 70% report awareness of allergen information on the packaged foods they typically purchase.
• Among those who know someone (including themselves) with a food allergy, intolerance, and/or sensitivity—and who are aware of allergen information on the packaged food they typically purchase:
  • 16% say they always use that information. 
  • 34% say they have a high level of understanding of that information. 
  • 67% say they trust that information.
• Americans place the most trust in primary health care providers for food allergen information, followed by board certified allergists and registered dietitians.
• Sixteen percent of Americans say that either they or a household member have sought medical care because of a reaction to a food or beverage.