Are Consumers Nutritionally Savvy? Not Quite, MyFitnessPal Finds
MyFitnessPal’s Nutrition IQ 3.0 survey reveals that what consumers don’t know may matter most
MyFitnessPal, fresh off its acquisition of personalized meal-planning app Intent and a strategic partnership with fit tech company ABC Fitness,
has just released its Nutrition IQ 3.0 survey, highlighting key insights into the state of nutritional knowledge—or lack thereof.
The findings are surprising in some ways, given the flood of products marketed as low-sugar or high-protein. But MyFitnessPal’s Nutrition IQ 3.0 findings offer valuable perspective for companies and health and wellness coaches looking to better educate clients and guide them toward more informed choices.
According to the survey, most respondents (89%) don’t have a clear understanding of how much protein, fiber, carbohydrates, sugar and salt they consume daily—particularly notable because many continue to underestimate fat content and carb levels in food. At the same time, people are more likely to overestimate calories than underestimate them, MyFitnessPal says.
When it comes to macronutrients, a majority (69%) want to add more protein to their diet while reducing fat intake remains a top priority.
Fiber is a hot topic for its ability to naturally stimulate the release of GLP-1s in the body, yet most respondents still associate it primarily with bowel movements rather than its broader health benefits, such as lowering blood cholesterol levels and its link to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.
More than half (65%) feel at a “total loss” when it comes to managing their weight, despite having tried an average of eight diets. Meanwhile, 87% acknowledge that accurately logging meals would help them stay more mindful of food and calorie intake. Nutrition tracking, MyFitnessPal shared last December, can be a valuable tool in meeting weight loss goals.
Another issue is at play, as well: A 2024 Research!America national poll found that 60% of Americans see the cost of healthy food as a barrier—a lingering concern, MyFitnessPal notes, especially amid rising food prices. While cooking on a budget remains a top priority, the survey found that 76% of respondents don’t check nutritional values before dining out.
“As food prices rise, it’s more important than ever to make every dollar count by choosing foods that are both affordable and nutrient-dense,” said MyFitnessPal head of nutrition Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD. “Tracking what you eat not only helps you understand your nutrient intake but can also help you identify nutrient-dense options that fit your budget. For example, if certain protein sources are currently out of reach due to price, options like beans, lentils or canned tuna can provide protein at your meal at a lower cost. Education is key, and making informed decisions about your food is essential to maximizing both your health and your wallet.”
In conjunction with the report’s release, MyFitnessPal has unveiled a new Nutrition IQ Quiz so consumers can get a clear picture of their own nutritional knowledge.
In the meantime, MyFitnessPal and ABC Fitness are rolling out a holistic health tracking integration that gives trainers access to participating clients’ food and nutrition data, so they can deliver more personalized, data-driven guidance. The new initiative will have quite a reach, supporting more than 300 million people in over 100 countries.