Half-plate Produce Guidance Top of Mind for Consumers

When it comes to consumer health issues, supermarket shoppers seem to be most concerned about whether they’re meeting the USDA’s half-plate fruit and vegetable guidance, according to retailers who responded to a recent online poll on ProgressiveGrocer.com.

 

Avoiding specific food ingredients isn’t as high on consumers’ list of concerns.

 

When asked which health-and-wellness hot button is of greatest concern to shoppers, more than half of respondents – 66 percent – chose “following half-plate fruits & veggies guidance.”

 

A much smaller group – just 13 percent – chose “high-fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners” as a top-of-mind issue, while “free-from foods (hormones, preservatives, etc.) and “artificial ingredients” received about 10 percent each of the vote.

 

Just under 1 percent felt that “digestive aids” are a key issue to shoppers.

 

The online poll, which was conducted in July 2012, garnered 309 votes.