Hungry and confused: The winding road to conscious eating

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/hungry-and-confused-the-winding-road-to-conscious-eating#/

The article highlights the continued importance of conscious eating, consumers' desire for healthier food options, and the need for food companies and retailers to better meet the demands and provide clearer information about health and sustainability aspects.

Based on a survey of 8,000 consumers in the US, UK, France, and Germany which revealed that consumers are committed to healthier eating, with 70% expressing a desire to be healthier and 50% prioritizing healthy eating.

Key survey data points:

• 50% of consumers prioritize healthy eating; 33% prioritize sustainability.
• Healthy eating means, first and foremost, consuming more fresh produce and less processed food and sugar.
• The pandemic spurred more than half of consumers 18 and older to make major changes in their eating habits.
• Flexitarianism is becoming the most popular diet.
• About 25% of consumers ate more plant-based products during the pandemic, but very few plan to abandon traditional products entirely.
• Most consumers are confused about what is healthy and sustainable.
• Less than a third of consumers are satisfied with the healthy options available at their local grocery store.