CONSUMER VIEWS ON REDUCING FOOD WASTE
- 57% of Americans are concerned about food waste.
- To reduce food waste, consumers take action:
o 44% eat leftovers and unused food items
o 42% plan meals before shopping
o 38% improve food storage
o 37% pay more attention to expiration dates
o 35% freeze unused foods
WHAT PEOPLE ARE EATING—AND WHY
- At least 4 in 10 utilize vitamin or mineral supplements for energy and weight loss.
- 3 in 10 eat more protein from whole-plant sources.
- Vegetables and fruits are the most common providers of energy and weight loss.
- Improving energy/having less fatigue is the most sought-after benefit from food.
- Improved sleep is a more common goal among younger generations.
- Heart health is more important for Gen X and baby boomers.
HOW HOSPITALITY CAN LEVERAGE CONSUMER EATING HABITS
- Understanding eating habits and trends help hospitality organizations serve items customers want.
- Compared to a year ago, there’s an increase in the number of Americans consuming more:
o Dairy
o Plant-based dairy alternatives
o Fortified soy-based milk
o Yogurt
DIETS CONTINUE TO BE TRENDY
More than half of Americans followed a diet or eating pattern in the past year.
Food service companies can tap into these trends by offering menu items relevant to:
- Clean eating
- Mindful eating
- Plant-based dishes
- Customers who count calories
HOSPITALITY CAN DISPOSE OF FOOD IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY WAY
Hospitality organizations can practice sustainable methods when disposing of food by:
- Donating to food shelters or charities
- Reusing produce, ingredients and food items whenever possible
- Repurposing surplus food into meals for food pantries or other organizations
- Composting food waste
- Giving food scraps to farmers to feed to animals
Source: International Food Information Council, “2022 Food and Health Survey.” May 2022.
