Ingredients labelling: keep it clear

Many food and beverage products do not offer clear labelling, according to a survey of 1000 adults in the UK and USA, commissioned by Ingredient Communications and conducted in September 2020 by market research consultants SurveyGoo.

50% of people surveyed said they are more likely to buy a product if they can recognise all of the ingredients listed on the label. However, in a sign that their needs are not being met, only 19% of respondents said they always recognise all of the ingredients on the pack.

Demonstrating the risks of this, more than one-third of respondents (36%) admitted they are less likely to buy a product made with an ingredient they do not recognise. Conversely, 44% said they are happy to pay a higher price for a product when they recognise all of the ingredients it contains.

The findings of the survey indicate that a large number of consumers consider clear labelling to be a priority but also raise questions about how successfully the industry is catering to their preferences.

Richard Clarke, Managing Director of Ingredient Communications, said: “Ingredients companies have taken big steps forward to optimise their portfolios to include clean label ingredients that can be declared on-pack in clear language that most consumers will recognise. Manufacturers of finished products should consider formulating — or reformulating — their products to include these ingredients, or they risk being left behind.”

Most respondents to the survey also expressed a preference for natural ingredients and an aversion to artificial additives.

Image supplied by Ingredient Communications.