Majority Of Europeans Consider Ultra-Processed Foods Unhealthy, Study Finds
The majority of European consumers (65%) believe that ultra-processed food items are unhealthy and will cause health issues later in life, according to a new study conducted by the EIT Food Consumer Observatory.
The pan-European study, titled Consumer perceptions unwrapped: Ultra-processed foods, also revealed that 67% of those surveyed believe that ultra-processed foods contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other lifestyle-related health issues.
The study comprised nearly 10,000 consumers across 17 European countries.
The research also showed that two thirds (67%) of consumers in Europe dislike the presence of unfamiliar ingredients in food items, and two fifths (40%) said that they are not confident about regulations on ultra-processed foods by authorities, expressing concerns about how safe and healthy they are in the long term.
Moreover, six in ten (60%) of those surveyed consider the category to be harmful to the environment, as it is perceived to be unnatural, due to the presence of chemicals and the involvement of industrial production processes.
Many consumers are also confused and uncertain about the extent to which their food is processed, both over- and underestimating this aspect.
The data showed that six in ten consumers (61%) identified energy drinks as ultra-processed, while only 34% and 22%, respectively, correctly identified vegan cheese and chocolate bars as being ultra-processed.
ESM
Related news
Driving safety and sunglasses: what does the latest research show?
Choosing the wrong pair of sunglasses can significantly jeopardize road…
Read more >New research: Vegetarians are not more docile, but more ambitious
A new study challenges the widespread stereotype that meat-free dieters…
Read more >Snickers maker Mars to use gene-editing in pursuit of stable chocolate supply
The candy giant is using Pairwise’s plant-breeding technology to improve…
Read more >Related news
Gergely Gulyás: margin freeze extended until November 30
The margin freeze will be extended until November 30, the…
Read more >The tightening of the mall ban affects a narrower circle, but it can still put a burden on retailers
According to a recent analysis by international law firm Taylor…
Read more >World instant noodle soup consumption sets new record – Hungary stable in TOP50
The world’s instant noodle soup consumption has reached a new…
Read more >