Survey Confirms Children's Health A Top Priority For Families

ST. LOUIS, July 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Every parent has heard the inevitable question from their children, "What's for dinner?" Healthy options are always a priority when searching for the answer – for their families and themselves. According to the United Soybean Board's 21^st Annual Consumer Attitudes about Nutrition study, consumers demonstrate increased interest in knowing what is on their plates, and the plates of their children. Respondents identified these issues as the top three important health and nutrition issues facing U.S. children:

• Instilling healthy eating habits (73 percent, up 10 percent from 2013)
• Reducing childhood obesity (71 percent, up 12 percent from 2013)
• Increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables (67 percent, up 10 percent from 2013)

As diet becomes an increasingly strong concern, 91 percent of consumers consider nutrition important when grocery shopping. "All kids need a healthy, nutritious diet and that's where soy fits in because it is one of the most nutrient-rich foods in our food supply," said Amy Hendel, R-PA. "I think soy is so great for kids because it's so versatile, so nutritious and also economical." In fact, the study found that more than 90 percent of respondents reported no negative associations between soy and children's health.

In addition to the data on children, the study found that 74 percent of consumers rate soy products to be "somewhat healthy" or "very healthy," and 31 percent used soy foods or beverages once a week or more. "High protein" topped the list of health benefits associated with soy. In addition:

• 63 percent reported they would be willing to pay more for healthier options
• 45 percent seek out food products specifically because they contain soy
• Soy products are consumed most often at dinner (39 percent), followed by breakfast (34 percent), lunch (24 percent) and other times during the day

Consumers also have a keen interest in the healthfulness of fats and oils. The majority recognize omega-3 fats as "healthy" and trans fats as "unhealthy." Soybean oil is the principle source of omega-3s in the U.S. diet and contains zero grams trans fats. Consumers who recognize the health benefits of soy for children are aware that soy is "nutritious" and "may aid in weight loss/prevent obesity."

Study Methodology
The 21^st Annual Consumer Attitudes about Nutrition study is conducted by the United Soybean Board to address current topics of interest to the food and health industries. The 2014 study was conducted by an independent research firm in February 2014 and includes 1,000 random surveys consistent with the U.S. population.

About the United Soybean Board
The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff. For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.soyconnection.com.

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SOURCE United Soybean Board