Wageningen Food & Biobased Research and HAS Green Academy conducted a survey to find out what Dutch consumers think about ultra-processed food. It shows that 70% of those surveyed think ultra-processed food is bad for their health.
Interestingly, those surveyed who work in the food sector, such as cooks, do not have a negative view on this. And when people have a negative opinion, it does not always influence their choices in the supermarket. Because people then consciously choose a 'quick bite', for example.
The associations Dutch people have with ultra-processed food include words such as 'additives', 'artificial' and 'not fresh'. People with negative attitudes mainly think of unhealthy and artificial, while the positive group appreciates convenience, safety and longer shelf life. This dichotomy shows how differently people can think about the same product.
Although many people associate ultra-processed food with negative health effects, 60% of respondents say they want more information on the subject. In particular, people with negative attitudes demand clear and accessible information, preferably from a reliable, central source. Most consumers feel there is too much unclear and scattered information now, making it difficult to make informed choices.
So for food producers and sellers, it is important to communicate clearly about the foods. Especially with homemade pure foods without industrial ingredients such as sauces and marinades.
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666324004185
