How strong is consumer trust in food and nutrition science?
- Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
- 6 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Thanks to the International Food Information Council (IFIC), we know the answer to that question. We also know how levels of trust have changed and how trust in food and nutrition science impacts food choices.
As food and nutrition professionals responsible for communicating food and nutrition science to the public, this knowledge can enable us to perform our work more strategically.
For 20 years, IFIC has surveyed Americans about their beliefs and behaviors about food and nutrition. The latest survey report can be found here: https://ific.org/wp-content/uploads/2025-IFIC-Food-Health-Survey-Full-Report.pdf
In recent years, IFIC has conducted two surveys asking Americans specifically about their trust in food and nutrition science. I wrote about the first survey in this post: https://www.nutritioncommunicator.com/post/how-can-a-communicator-regain-consumer-trust-here-s-credible-help
This month, IFIC published the results of a second survey examining consumer trust.
Download the report. In this post, we will explore the key findings of these surveys about consumer trust and how best to respond.
Key findings of the IFIC survey of consumer trust in food and nutrition science:
Both surveys asked roughly 1,000 American consumers about their trust in food and nutrition science. Compare their answers from March 2026 with those from October 2024.
Two-thirds of Americans express trust in food and nutrition science.
Although trust in the most recent survey is close to the level found in the first survey, consumer trust is decreasing. When the responses “strongly trust” are combined with “somewhat trust,” the level of trust decreased from 68% to 64% between October 2024 and March 2026. Regaining public trust is an essential first step, as confirmed by the next survey finding.
Among those with lower levels of trust in food and nutrition science, nearly half report that they would be willing to change their diet if their trust in that science increased.
This finding underscores the importance of assessing an audience member’s level of trust and subsequently their willingness to change. Rebuilding their trust is paramount.
My previous post described ways to do this: “Regain consumer trust by communicating science using clear language your audience understands, with relevant context and practical application.”
More than seven in ten Americans say it seems like recommendations about what to eat and drink are always changing.
This sentiment has been a common complaint about food and nutrition for decades. I wrote about this topic and how to respond in this post: https://www.nutritioncommunicator.com/post/when-experts-don-t-know-the-answer-how-does-an-authority-respond
In a nutshell, consumers need to better understand the nature of research in ways they can relate to. But first, we need to understand how consumers feel. The IFIC Spotlight Survey identified the following common feelings:
As you can see, the perception of dietary recommendations always changing results in many negative feelings.
These responses are important to consider as nutrition communicators. When we understand these feelings and demonstrate empathy, we are in a better position to communicate the science.
The final finding is hopeful...
More than half of Americans say they are more likely to trust food advice if it cites scientific evidence, if it is simple and easy to follow, and if it comes from a registered dietitian.
Translating complex science into easy-to-understand advice is the RDN's superpower. Keep it simple, relevant, and practical. IFIC has created a wonderful science communication toolkit for this purpose. Check it out!
Thank you, IFIC, for this important work!
“Building and sustaining trust through clear, credible, and consistent communication is essential to ensuring that food guidance resonates.”
~ International Food Information Council (IFIC). IFIC Spotlight Survey: Americans’ Trust In Food & Nutrition Science. March 2026.
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