Low Carb Diets Appeal to Consumers

Low Carb Diets Appeal to Consumers

CHICAGOMore than half of the U.S. population has either tried a lowcarb diet, are currently following a low carb diet (or cutting back on carbs) orwould try a low carb diet in the future, according to Mintels (www.mintel.com)report on low carb foods; the report will be published in May 2004.

Approximately two-thirds of low carb dieters follow the diet to lose weight,and approximately 75 percent of low carb dieters do so because they believe itis a healthier way to eat. In addition, three out of five low carb dieters saythey plan to limit their carb intake for life, according to Mintel.

Other findings include: more than half of low carb dieters have completelystopped eating or are eating less bread and/or pasta;

42 percent of low carb dieters are willing to pay extra for low carb foodoptions; and the United States has introduced 375 new low carb food products sofar in 2004, leading the way in the low carb arena in terms of new productintroductions.