The recent spate of media attention on the childhood obesity epidemic; the current Administration’s emphasis on improving child nutrition; parents’ growing awareness of the need to model healthy eating for their children; and the emergence of teen food bloggers means food and beverages for children are squarely in the spotlight. Consequently, prepared food products—and the ingredients that go into them—are increasingly under the microscope.
Consumer responses to the Mintel Group Ltd.’s June 2012 survey, “Attitudes Toward Healthy Food—U.S.,” indicate, “Americans are trying to create healthier children, as 67% of women and 57% of men claim to eat healthy food more often to set a good example for their kids.” That news is especially encouraging in light of an October 2009 study by the NPD Group that found the strongest influence on what children eat is their mother’s eating habits and nutritional knowledge.