Related Experiment Videos
Consumer issues and expectations for functional foods
1M&M/Mars, a Division of Mars, Inc., Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840, USA.
Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Many American adults, particularly older individuals, are aware of and believe in natural food substances for chronic disease prevention. Understanding consumer perspectives is crucial for delivering these beneficial compounds effectively.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Consumer Health Behavior
- Public Health
Background:
- Preliminary data show 50% of American adults have heard of natural disease-preventing food substances.
- A significant portion, especially older adults, believe in the efficacy of these natural compounds.
- The market is receptive to products with enhanced disease-preventing capabilities, like antioxidants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To frame and discuss critical consumer issues related to disease-preventing food substances.
- To inform the scientific, regulatory, and business communities about consumer perspectives.
- To ensure beneficial compounds reach the target populations effectively.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of preliminary consumer data.
- Discussion framing consumer issues.
- Identification of key stakeholders (scientific, regulatory, business).
Main Results:
- High consumer awareness and belief in natural disease-preventing substances.
- Identification of marketing, regulatory, and consumer challenges.
- Emphasis on the need to address consumer issues for successful product implementation.
Conclusions:
- Consumer readiness for disease-preventing products necessitates addressing specific consumer issues.
- Collaboration between scientific, regulatory, and business sectors is vital.
- Focusing on consumer needs will facilitate the delivery of beneficial natural compounds to those who need them most.