When you enter the grocery store, what are you concerned about? Brand names? Nutrition? Taste? Price? There are many factors that probably go into making your decisions. We all probably have some different priorities, but that is what is great about living where we do, we get to make our own food choices.
The
Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index just released their survey results as part of a semi-annual series. The first part of the survey looked at the many factors driving the food purchases of Iowans. The survey asked participants, Iowa residents ages 20 to 60, which three factors are most important to them when they determine which meat, poultry and dairy products to purchase.
For me the top factor is
price. I'm always trying to get the best deal; I use the sales ad when creating my shopping list and use coupons to compliment my list. The second factor would be
taste. I only buy food that tastes good to me, which I think would be the same for everyone. I do like to experiment with new recipes and food, but if the recipe doesn't get family approval, I cut my losses and throw it away. In the era of
Pinterest and the Food Network I can always find new things to try. The third factor for me would probably be
nutrition. When it comes to meat, poultry and dairy I like to go for lean cuts and low-fat options.
So what do the survey results tell me? Well first, it looks like I am an
average Iowan. Second, I see by far, price and taste are the top factors influencing purchasing decisions. Nearly 8 out of every 10 participants marked
price and
taste. Third, it looks like the next set of popular influencers were
food safety and
nutrition. I think these are both "hot topic" areas of discussion and a place where I think most shoppers are looking for more information on and where I, as a farmer, need to not only be educated myself, but willing to share what I do to provide nutritious and responsible food choices. The last interesting thing I noticed was
convenience was one of the bottom factors. I feel like many people are trying and wanting to "get back to their roots" and do more
homemade things, and food/meals is an easy way of doing that. I personally love making meals and treats from scratch for my family.
So what factors do you look at when grocery shopping? LP goes for the foods that are easy to reach! (Word to the wise, be careful when shopping with a toddler. You can be waiting your turn at the meat counter and then turn around to see your son has filled up
his cart with every item from the neighboring deli section...)
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