GlobeScan, a leading research firm, has partnered with EAT, a science-based global platform for food system transformation, since 2021 to conduct the Grains of Truth consumer research series. The latest edition of the study reveals that malnutrition, pesticides used in agriculture, obesity and diet-related health issues, and plastic waste from food packaging are the top concerns for consumers worldwide. Although concern is also high across other issues such as food waste, unequal access to nutritious food, and animal welfare.
The survey was conducted in 31 markets worldwide and involved 29,565 participants in July-August 2023. It found that about three-quarters of the global public express at least some concern with these top issues. Older people tend to be more concerned about these issues than younger people.
These findings highlight the importance of addressing health and sustainable food concerns. The top four issues that consumers are most worried about are either directly related to human health (malnutrition or obesity) or sit at the intersection of human health and the environment (pesticides used in agriculture and plastic waste from food packaging). Governments and businesses must take public health concerns into account when designing policies or innovating products in order to engage effectively with consumers on sustainable diets or food choices.
