A recent study by The Natural Marketing Institute (Harleysville, Pa.) was based on a primary consumer research study of a representative sample (1,091 individuals) of the general U.S. population, and sought to measure consumer attitudes and preferences for minerals in beverages.
Usage of fortified beverages is high, says the PURAC America, Inc- (Lincolnshire, Ill.) commissioned study; 69.7% have consumed such products. Of these, 23.3% consume a fortified beverage once a day or more, and 23.7% consume a fortified beverage from one to six times a week. Some 34.1% are concerned about the taste of beverages with added calcium, whereas 41.4% express concern about the taste of beverages fortified with other minerals. If minerals could be added to beverages without affecting the taste, 51.8% would be interested. PURAC's minerals make it possible to fortify a wide variety of foods and beverages without sacrificing taste.