June 16/St. Louis/PRNewswire -- Almost half (46%) of Americans are reluctant to spend more on healthier versions of food, the United Soybean Board's (USB) 2009 "Consumer Attitudes about Nutrition" survey reveals. This is not for lack of interest: Of those not willing to spend more, 52% confirm the reason is financial. However, nutritious foods do not always come with a hefty price tag. Nutrient-dense soyfoods are affordable and allow Americans to eat healthy for less.
According to the sixteenth annual research study, 87% of Americans express concern about the nutritional content of the food they eat, a number that reflects Americans' interest in healthier foods. While consumers juggle nutrition and economic value, 88% still consider nutrition important when purchasing foods at the grocery store.
Within price constraints, Americans are taking greater control of their health by choosing functional foods that provide specific health benefits. According to Packaged Facts' "Functional Foods and Beverages" study, U.S. retail sales for functional foods totaled $31 billion in 2008, an increase from $26.9 billion in 2006. Soymilk faired especially well in sales.
USB's study demonstrates the heightened awareness of soyfoods' health benefits, as 84% of Americans rate soy as healthy, up 25 percentage points over the last 12 years. In fact, one-third of Americans purchase foods specifically because they contain soy.
From the June 22, 2009, Prepared Foods E-dition
