news & trends

Tracking Nutrition Trends 2013 – report released (June 2014)

Established in 1989, Tracking Nutrition Trends (TNT) is the longest standing nutrition study in Canada. The recently released report examines the self-reported knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of adult Canadians with respect to food and nutrition. Also included in the report are key factors that affect consumer food choices.  Here’s a summary of the key findings.

  • Nearly all Canadians say they have done something to improve or change their eating and drinking habits over the past year. The top three improvements/changes are: eating more fruits and vegetables; reducing salt/sodium; and reducing sugar.
  • Only 24% of Canadians follow Canada’s Food Guide.
  • 2/3 of Canadians use supplements. The most popular supplements are vitamin D, multi-vitamins and vitamin C.
  • 63% of Canadians eat breakfast every day (up from 58% in 2008).
  • 97% of Canadians say taste is the most important factor when choosing a food, followed by nutrition and cost.
  • 88% of Canadians say that maintaining good health is a key influence on their food choices.
  • When looking at the nutritional information, the most influential factors of food choices are: source of protein, low in saturated fats, low in salt/sodium, source of fibre, no trans fat, and low in total fat.

For more detailed report findings, and to discuss relevance to your work please contact us.