Recent Survey Reveals Disturbing Lack of Crucial Nutrition Knowledge

What you don’t know can’t hurt you. Never before has this well-known idiom been more incorrect in light of a recent survey issued by MyFitnessPal, bringing to the forefront serious issues around nutrition literacy in the U.S.

 According to the Nutrition IQ 3.0 survey, following previous surveys conducted in 2024 and 2022, a vast number of consumers lack basic nutrition knowledge. In fact, the survey reported that 89% were unaware of their daily intake of protein, fiber, carbs, sugar and salt and that, on average, many underestimated the number of fruits and vegetables that are recommended for a balanced daily diet.¹

On a global scale, the National Library of Medicine reported in 2023 that even despite the growing knowledge around food and its tie to health, nutrition illiteracy continues to be a major problem, affecting the population across ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status.²

With these statistics it’s clear that if a lack of nutrition knowledge continues, negative dietary choices can further ensue, leading to serious medical issues that include obesity (affecting around 40% of adults and 20% of adolescents), depression, diabetes, heart disease, and various cancers.³

Economics as a Major Contributor

Alongside the issue of nutrition illiteracy is the role that economics plays in dietary choices. When food becomes more costly, nutrition mindfulness can often take a backseat to purchasing food that is more affordable. Unfortunately, this can mean more fast food – notorious for its lack in nutrients and harmful over-processing – makes its way onto our plates.

According to the survey details shared by MyFitnessPal, a 2022 study conducted by the University of Warwick showed that U.S. consumers pay 40% more than marginal cost for fruits and vegetables.⁴ What’s more, fixed costs in the supply chain results in U.S. consumers purchasing 15% less of fruit and vegetables.⁵

 Data from the Economic Research Service further examines the tie between nutrition and food costs, reporting that prices for food from home (vs. out to eat or fast food) increased 1.2% in 2024 in comparison to costs in 2023.⁶ Additionally, food prices in the U.S. increased by 23.6% from 2020 to 2024.⁷

It’s clear that the state of economics is squashing the importance placed on nutrition literacy.

Media Consumption and Confusion

In addition to the influence of economics, media and disinformation are causing substantial troubles in the quest for nutrition literacy. With so many platforms for dissemination available to the public, it’s no surprise that individuals are left confused and, in many cases, making dietary moves in the wrong direction.

Social media and online outlets are prime culprits of spreading misinformation – rapidly and far and wide – though likely without malice. According to the National Library of Medicine, there are multiple reasons why individuals look to these content platforms for dietary information:⁸

• Want info about the nutritional values and health benefits of specific foods
• Interested in recipes and cooking tips (a great way to avoid eating out and fast food)
• Desire more details about health issues, including weight loss and food allergies

What’s more, with so much disinformation floating around, health professionals are faced with the impossible task of changing incorrect perceptions to ensure that the public has a clear and correct understanding of true nutrition. Ideally, their efforts will help reduce the amount of confusion the public has and help them feel confident in making dietary choices for themselves and loved ones.

The truth is knowledge is power, and it takes concerted efforts from each one of us to make sure we improve our nutrition literacy and turn to reputable sources (like MyFitnessPal) for information. Registered dieticians, healthcare professionals and credible industry organizations (such as the National Institutes of Health) are excellent resources for information, and once you have more knowledge, more informed decisions can be made that promote good nutrition and health.

Learn more about the findings from the MyFitnessPal’s Nutrition IQ 3.0 survey.

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References

1. Health is Wealth: MyFitnessPal’s Third Annual Nutrition IQ Survey Exposes Americans’ Nutritional Blind Spots Amid Rising Food Prices. PR Newswire website. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/health-is-wealth-myfitnesspals-third-annual-nutrition-iq-survey-exposes-americans-nutritional-blind-spots-amid-rising-food-prices-302400532.html March 13, 2025.
2. Nutrition and Food Literacy: Framing the Challenges to Health Communication. National Library of Medicine website. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10674981/ November 7, 2023.
3. Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Weight Status. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. https://www.cdc.gov/cdi/indicator-definitions/npao.html June 3, 2024.
4. Subsidy would improve fruit and veg intake by as much as 15%, say economists. The University of Warwick website. https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/news/2022/3/subsidy_would_improve_fruit_and_veg_intake_by_as_much_as_15_say_economists/ March 31, 2022.
5. Subsidy would improve fruit and veg intake by as much as 15%, say economists. The University of Warwick website. https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/news/2022/3/subsidy_would_improve_fruit_and_veg_intake_by_as_much_as_15_say_economists/ March 31, 2022.
6. Food Prices and Spending. Economic Research Service website. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ag-and-food-statistics-charting-the-essentials/food-prices-and-spending February 14, 2025.
7. Food Prices and Spending. Economic Research Service website. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ag-and-food-statistics-charting-the-essentials/food-prices-and-spending February 14, 2025.
8. Nutrition and Food Literacy: Framing the Challenges to Health Communication. National Library of Medicine website. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10674981/ November 7, 2024.