US consumers typically opt for food choices high in salt and fat, reveals survey

23 Oct 2023 --- In the US, the top dishes that consumers are driven toward are mashed potatoes, hamburgers and cheeseburgers. Among the top 20 popular dishes, many are often considered unhealthy due to their high salt or fat content, including French fries, fried chicken and tater tots.

That is according to a new report from YouGov, which states that some dishes commonly consumed also contain noticeable amounts of sugar as part of their recipes, such as ketchup or sauces used in burgers and the sugar content in apple pie.

Previous research that dived into US grocery purchases once exposed consumers prefer highly processed foods. However, over 60% of calories originate from these products, which usually have elevated levels of fat, sugar, and salt.

Generational and gender differences
The YouGov survey exposed varied food preferences across different age brackets. For instance, while Millennials seemed to have an affinity for mashed potatoes, hamburgers, and French fries, baby boomers showed a pronounced inclination toward apple pie, BBQ ribs and roast beef.

The data also highlighted gender-based discrepancies. Female consumers preferred French fries, corn on the cob, and mashed potatoes more than men, while they were less inclined toward traditionally grilled or cookout foods.

Embracing international cuisines
The US, often described as a melting pot of ethnicities, displayed an expanded palette for international cuisines. Italian food took the lead, with 88% of respondents expressing their enjoyment. Following behind were Mexican and Chinese cuisines, with 86% and 84% approval ratings, respectively.

Yet, many US consumers have never ventured into less mainstream cuisines. 

For instance, over half of the participants had never tried Australian, Peruvian, Argentinian, or Lebanese dishes. 

Once the consumer did take a bite, many expressed their liking, with Caribbean, Vietnamese, and Brazilian cuisines garnering the most positive feedback.

The path to healthier choices
Health advocates are trying to raise a healthier generation of kids (Image credit: Plezi Nutrition)Research also suggests that attitudes and beliefs about food, especially concerning fat intake, are often passed down within families. 

According to the World Food Programme, school meals are a good way of education and can improve the younger generation’s eating habits.

Recognizing the importance of nutritional awareness, former US first lady Michelle Obama launched her “Let’s Move” campaign while she was in the White House, an effort to fight childhood obesity by promoting healthier eating and providing healthier foods in the nation’s schools to reduce salt, sugar, and fat in meals.

By Sichong Wang