Americans Find Eggs Egg-ceptional

CHICAGOResults of a new Mintel survey reveals the majority of Americans (92%) believe eggs provide an egg-ceptional nutrition punch, and 94% of U.S. households purchase them on a regular basis.

Eggs represent an economical source of protein for peoples diets," said Bill Patterson, senior analyst at Mintel. Since the recession began in 2008, consumers have been driven to opt for larger volumes of eggs as a substitute for more expensive proteins. In April 2009 to June 2010, the 30-day average of eggs used increased to its highest level in seven years ... 33 eggs per household."

Regardless of price increases or decreases, half of those households that buy eggs say they will not change their egg purchasing habits. Data also reveals 57% of the respondents dont think organic eggs are any healthier for you than regular eggs; 30% of respondents eat fewer eggs than they would like to because of cholesterol concerns.

Older egg buyers confront heart-health issues and therefore limit egg consumption because of the cholesterol," Patterson added. The over-55 egg buyer is a prime target for low-cholesterol eggs and egg substitutes, and could be reminded that cholesterol levels in eggs have fallen."

In terms of consumption, 88% of consumers purchase regular white eggs, 27% buy brown eggs, 17% choose organic, and 14% opt for free range eggs. Consumers aged 25 to 34 are the largest purchasers of organic and free range eggs, most likely because of higher awareness of and concern with diet and health for young children in the household, or due to a generational tendency to experiment with and embrace natural and sustainable foods.