BBI Analysis of the International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) 2022 Food & Health Survey

The 2022 Food and Health Survey marks the 17th time the International Food Information Council (IFIC) has surveyed Americans to understand their perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding food and food-purchasing decisions. This year’s survey examines issues related to personal health, nutrition, eating patterns, food production, and food safety.

The annual survey revealed that nearly three-fourths of American adults snack at least once a day, with more than half indicating they battle stress—which often increases snacking. The report included 1,005 U.S. consumers ages 18 to 80, who uncovered a significant uptick in the number of consumers who reported following a diet or eating pattern—from 39% in 2021 to 52% in 2022.

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Among many highlights, this year’s survey findings included:  

• A sharp uptick in prioritization of environmental sustainability 
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• Approaches to managing prominent issues like chronic stress and the rising cost of food 
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• An increase in the adoption of new diets and eating patterns 
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• Insights about the influence of allergen labeling on food purchases

Also, for the first time, the 2022 Food and Health Survey reports on the viewpoints and food-purchasing behaviors of Gen Z, providing a complete picture of how our youngest adults are shaping national conversations about food and health. 

General Consumer Profile

Generation Z 

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