IFIC Spotlight Survey: American Perceptions of Food Ingredient Safety

Download the survey hereĀ 

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online survey among U.S. consumers to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about the safety of food ingredients. One thousand adults ages 18 years and older completed the online survey from June 6-10, 2024, and respondents were weighted to ensure proportional results.

Key findings include:

  • Nearly 1 in 4 Americans do not think about the health risks or the health benefits of what they eat and drink.
  • Among those who avoid dyes/colors, the top two reasons for avoidance is the belief that they are unhealthy or unsafe to consume.
  • Among those who have heard of at least one specific ingredient in packaged foods or beverages, dyes/colors, and low- and no-calorie sweeteners are avoided most often.
  • Two in three Americans have heard about caffeine, low- and no-calorie sweeteners, as well as flavors in foods or beverages.
  • Among those who actively avoid certain food ingredients, trust about what food ingredients to eat and avoid is highest among dietitians, medical experts, and scientists.
  • About 4 in 10 Americans say they actively avoid ultraprocessed foods and/or plant-based meat alternatives.
  • When considering potential health risks associated with packaged food and beverages, 3 in 10 Americans do not consider the amount, presence, or number of ingredients.
  • Among various topics in food, Americans express the highest levels of concern about E.coli and heavy metals.
  • Among those who report being extremely or very concerned about heavy metals in food, half say they have changed their eating habits as a result.
  • When it comes to the type of information about the safety of food ingredients that Americans want more of, facts and practical actions are more desired than science.