Consumers in New York and elsewhere are following healthier diets, according to a recent Gallup Poll. The poll found consumers are more likely to avoid soda than 14 other foods, including sugar and fat. At least six in 10 U.S. adults say they are trying to steer clear of soda altogether.
This is good news for everyone in New York. When people follow healthier diets, they live longer and they are more productive. As a result, everyone wins. Employers pay less for health insurance. Government spends less of our tax dollars on health care. Taxpayers face fewer tax increases to pay for health care costs.
It is a drastic change from 15 years ago. Consumers are far more likely today (61%) than in 2002 (41%) to say they are avoiding soda.
Likewise, the percentage of who actively include soda in their diet has dropped since 2002, from 36% to 22%.
It is not only regular soda consumers are avoiding. They are also avoiding diet soda out of concern for artificial sweeteners. In this year’s poll, Gallup asked half of the respondents about diet soda and the other half about regular soda. The results were nearly identical, with 61% saying they avoid regular soda and 62% saying the same for diet soda.
Doctors advise that lower-calorie and natural beverages, such as skim milk or water, are healthier choices than soda.
The poll also found consumers have become more likely to avoid sugar. In 2002, 43% were avoiding sugar compared to 50% in 2015.
In addition, consumers have recognized the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables. The Gallup Poll reports that at least nine in 10 consumers try to include both fruits and vegetables in their diet. At least three in four try to include chicken and fish in their diet. Nutrition experts often recommend chicken and fish to help with heart health, in lieu of beef and other red meat.
Healthy Vending applauds the progress New Yorkers are making in following healthier lifestyles.
But there is still work to do. The vast majority of consumers in New York and elsewhere say they are trying to follow healthier eating habits. But they are not always able to meet their goals, hard as they may try. One reason is that the healthy choices are not always readily available. This is especially true in today’s New York, where workers are often eating on the run.
We launched Healthy Vending in 2000 to help New Yorkers who wanted to maintain healthy diets and consume less calories. One of the most unique aspects about our company is that we provide these healthy products conveniently for consumers. Healthy Vending only carries those products that are part of what most consumers consider to be a healthy diet.
For more information about healthy snack and beverage options available to the vending industry, contact your New York City vending partner, Healthy Vending, at 917-572-3671 to discuss your customized break room solution.