MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll

Developed by academics and researchers from MSU AgBioResearch, the MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll measures American consumer knowledge and opinions on food, including where they find information and who they trust.

“Our polling continues to show that we in the scientific community have done a woeful job of conveying our message in a way that helps the public grasp key characteristics of the food system,” said AgBioResearch director Doug Buhler, co-director of the MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll. “That is on us and it’s time we take this gap more seriously and rethink our strategies to connect with consumers.”

The MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll is conducted twice per year, in spring and fall. It is conducted by Toluna, NA, a leader in online research that manages one of the world’s largest internet-based research panels with more than 4.5 million registered and active users.

New MSU Survey Reveals Growing Distrust of Food Experts and Widespread Concern Over Food Prices

Published on November 10, 2022
The bi-annual survey, which sampled 2,111 Americans in October 2022, reports that less than half (43%) of consumers currently say they trust academic scientists on food safety information, down from 52% in 2018.
Inflation, pandemic, war reflect consumers’ wariness on grocery prices

Published on April 4, 2022
New MSU poll reveals concern about the rising costs of food
Latest MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll reveals COVID-19 has impacted food access for nearly one-third of Americans

Published on September 30, 2021
Half of the participants reported the pandemic has changed their food choices.
New Food Literacy and Engagement Poll reveals public disconnect on food and climate change, rising interest in meat alternatives

Published on April 20, 2021
In the Spring 2021 MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll, a majority of respondents say developing crops resistant to weather extremes would significantly impact greenhouse gas emissions.
Michigan State University poll reveals a majority of Americans are concerned about climate change, but unclear on sources and solutions

Published on July 13, 2020
The latest MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll measures understanding and attitudes of food issues related to climate change.
Michigan State University poll shows emerging food trends are more widely embraced by younger generations

Published on October 16, 2019
Americans under 40 are more receptive to trying new food products, such as plant-based and cell-cultured meats, meal kits and insect protein, than those 40 and older.
Oldest Americans most focused on reducing food waste

Published on February 14, 2019
The vast majority of Americans are paying attention to reducing food waste with the oldest being the most cognizant, according to the fourth wave of the Michigan State University Food Literacy and Engagement Poll.
MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll: Wave IV

Published on February 14, 2019
The fourth wave of the MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll mainly examines consumer knowledge, attitudes and practices related to food waste.
Americans pay attention to food labels, but are confused by what information matters

Published on October 10, 2018
The latest Michigan State University Food Literacy and Engagement Poll reveals that a majority of Americans say food labels influence their purchasing behaviors, with the most popular terms also being the most ambiguous.
MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll: Wave III

Published on October 10, 2018
The third wave of the Michigan State University Food Literacy and Engagement Poll looks at consumer attitudes toward food labels.
MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll: Wave II

Published on March 26, 2018
The second wave of the Michigan State University Food Literacy and Engagement Poll focuses on food safety and consumer purchasing decisions.
MSU Food Literacy and Engagement Poll: Wave I

Published on August 17, 2017
The first wave of Michigan State University's Food Literacy and Engagement Poll centers on food access.

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