One in four Americans entered 2024 with a goal of changing their diet to improve their health or lose weight, according to a survey by Purdue University. “We see that the majority of consumers plan to limit processed foods in their diets, while fewer plan to follow more alternative diets such as vegetarian and vegan,” said the Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability, which runs the monthly survey.
The survey was conducted in January, so participants were asked if they had a New Year’s resolution related to food or nutrition. One-fourth of respondents said they did. The top responses “largely concerned eating healthier — e.g., reducing or increasing the consumption of certain foods like sugar or protein — and losing weight.” More than 70 percent said they intended to eat more fruits and vegetables. Large majorities said they would cut back on candy and desserts.
“Many consumers anticipate cravings as an obstacle when trying to consume less of a certain food or beverage, while cost is the most anticipated obstacle to consuming more,” said the center.
Asked if their current diets were healthy, three-fourths of respondents rated theirs as “good,” “very good,” or “excellent.”