Americans are buying more nutritious foods than ever before, according to a Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA) consumer survey.

In a survey of primary grocery shoppers, 73 percent of respondents reported that they were buying more nutritious and healthy foods and beverages than in the past. Specifically, consumers are looking for products that are:

• Made with whole, unrefined grains (66 percent);

• Reduced- and low-fat (65 percent);

• Fortified with vitamins and minerals (59 percent);

• Reduced- and low-calorie (54 percent);

• Sugar-free (49 percent); and,

• Reduced- and low-carbohydrate (42 percent).

“Today, consumers know more about nutrition than ever before, and they are using that information to choose foods and beverages that meet their health goals,” said Alison Kretser, MS, RD, GMA senior director of scientific and nutrition policy. “Companies are responding to this demand by increasing the use of whole grains, reducing saturated and trans fats, and offering reduced-sugar products.”

GMA’s survey also found that 64 percent of consumers are trying to reduce their caloric intake and 52 percent say they are exercising more often.

From December 27-29, 2004, Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc. interviewed 806 respondents who are the primary grocery shoppers in their household. The margin of error for this survey is ±3.5 percentage points.

The Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA) is the world’s largest association of food, beverage and consumer product companies. Led by a board of 42 Chief Executive Officers, GMA applies legal, scientific and political expertise from its more than 140 member companies to vital public policy issues affecting its membership. The association also leads efforts to increase productivity, efficiency and growth in the food, beverage and consumer products industry. With U.S. sales of more than $500 billion, GMA members employ more than 2.5 million workers in all 50 states.