Additives – including artificial colourants, sweeteners and preservatives – have come top of a global ‘black list’ of food concerns.
A survey conducted by retail analysts TNS in 12 countries, including the UK, France, Germany and the USA, showed that 60% of consumers actively avoid artificial food additives when choosing food and drink products.
A low fat content is important for 53 percent of consumers, while 51 percent look out for products with low sugar.
Meanwhile, 46 and 38 percent respectively, search out organic and fair trade products.
“The survey clearly shows that consumers worldwide explicitly examine the ingredients of food and beverages and factor them into their purchase decision”, says Dr. Hendrik Hoeck, Managing sirector of GNT Group, which commissioned the research. “Food manufacturers should take this into account when developing products.”
The study highlights the role ingredients play in the evaluation of food and beverages. Even when it comes to products unlikely to be perceived as ‘healthy’ – such as sweets, ice cream and soft drinks – more than one person in three would buy more frequently if they were made with natural ingredients only, the survey found.
