Americans Like Hamburgers, Locally Grown, And Convenience Foods

According to the 2006 PARADE Magazine survey of “What America Eats,” 37% would choose pizza as their only source of food on a deserted island. 21% would choose a hamburger, and 14% would choose vegetables. The survey also addresses interest in “natural” foods and the impact of concerns for the environment on food choices.

If stranded on a deserted island, Americans would choose for their only source of food:

• Pizza (37%)
• Hamburger (21%)
• Fruit (17%)
• Vegetables (12%)
• Chocolate (8%)
• Apple pie (3%)
• French fries (2%)

Other findings:

• 82% of Americans use convenience foods, and 22% are using more of these than one year ago. 46% believe that these foods are more expensive, though 71% said the cost is worth it for the saved time.
• 38% stated that all-natural claims are important, while 34% said that recyclable packaging is a big factor, and 32% felt “environmentally friendly” labels are important.
• 70% felt that they would be somewhat likely to buy products that won’t hurt the environment, even if they cost more.
• 87% eat home cooked food for dinner, 5% have take-out, and 1% eat supermarket prepared meals.
• 81% eat breakfast at home, 59% skip it, and 4% eat it at a restaurant.
• 60% eat lunch at home, 36% skip it, and 10% have it in a restaurant.
• 25% of family dinners are at a restaurant and 5% don’t eat dinner.