Potatoes USA has published a new study that revealed potatoes are America’s favorite vegetable for the second year in a row, followed by broccoli. The 2018 Consumer Attitudes and Usage study also revealed that potatoes are the #1 food eaten among Americans within the last 24 hours and 80% reported eating potatoes at least once a week. So, what do consumers like about potatoes? They like that potatoes are filling, satisfying and a good value.
When making food choices overall, today’s consumers look for foods that are very flavorful, fresh, deliver a good value and something everyone will enjoy eating. The study showed that snacks are changing consumer’s eating habits. In fact, nearly half of all eating occasions consist of fewer than three meals a day, with snacks taking the place of some traditional meals. Cooking styles have evolved over time, but overall Americans continue to prefer more traditional and basic cooking styles.
What keeps Americans from eating more potatoes? Nearly half say “I already eat enough potatoes.” Other reasons include a general preference for other vegetables or a belief that potatoes are fattening and/or high in calories. When asked what would encourage them to make potatoes more often, consumers indicated new ways to prepare potatoes, shorter cooking times, different tastes and textures and healthier nutritionals. Over the past few years, shorter cooking times and healthier nutritionals have become more important to consumers.
Potatoes USA conducts the annual study to stay on top of consumer behavior and motivations regarding their food choices. The study tracks self-reported usage of potatoes, current beliefs on health-related topics and overall attitudes towards potatoes.
For a more complete overview of the 2018 Consumer Attitudes and Usage study, please click here.
For a printable quick reference sheet about the study, please click here.
SOURCE: Potatoes USA
