New research by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) has highlighted the critical role of trust in shaping how Americans respond to food and nutrition advice, emphasizing that the credibility of the messenger is just as important as the message itself.
The findings downloadable HERE, were contained in the 2026 IFIC Spotlight Survey: Americans’ Trust in Food & Nutrition Science, which revisited similar research conducted in 2024. The study shows that while a majority of Americans still trust food and nutrition science, skepticism and uncertainty remain significant factors affecting public attitudes.
According to the survey, nearly two-thirds of Americans (64 percent) say they have at least some level of trust in food and nutrition science. However, about one in five respondents (20 percent) remain undecided, saying they neither trust nor distrust the science behind dietary guidance.
ALSO READ Bees, silkworms critical to food security, economic diversification – FUTA Don
President and Chief Executive Officer of IFIC, Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, said trust remains a key driver of whether people are willing to adopt healthier eating habits.
“Trust is the gateway to behaviour change,” she said. “If people do not trust the science behind food guidance or the messenger delivering it, even the most well-intentioned recommendations will struggle to resonate.”
The survey also found a slight decline in overall trust compared with the 2024 survey. While the proportion of respondents who remain neutral about food and nutrition science has stayed relatively stable, distrust has increased from 12 percent to 16 percent.
Despite this, the research points to an opportunity for health communicators. Nearly half of respondents with lower levels of trust—about 48 percent—said they would be more willing to adjust their diets if their confidence in food and nutrition science improved.
The findings further revealed that many Americans perceive nutrition advice as inconsistent. More than seven in ten respondents (72 percent) believe recommendations about what to eat and drink are “always changing,” although this figure is slightly lower than the 79 percent recorded in October 2024.
This perception has emotional consequences for many people. Among respondents who see dietary advice as constantly shifting, 41 percent reported feeling confused, 33 percent frustrated, and 18 percent stressed. However, the reaction is not entirely negative, with 29 percent saying evolving guidance makes them curious and 16 percent reporting it inspires them.
Senior Director of Research and Consumer Insights at IFIC, Kris Sollid, said the survey offers a useful baseline for understanding public perceptions before the release of updated national dietary recommendations.
He explained that because the survey was conducted in December 2025—before the release of the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans—it provides an unfiltered snapshot of how Americans perceive nutrition guidance and the science behind it.
The research also underscored the importance of credible communication channels. Americans said they were most likely to trust evidence-based food advice (58 percent), simple and easy to follow (58 percent), and delivered by a registered dietitian (57 percent).
By contrast, fewer respondents said they trusted advice widely shared on social media (29 percent) or messages that rely on shock or fear tactics (26 percent).
Trust in food advice from the U.S. government remains divided, with 32 percent expressing trust, 36 percent remaining neutral, and 33 percent indicating distrust.
IFIC said the findings highlight the need for stronger science communication that prioritizes clarity, credibility, and consistency, especially for communities facing barriers to adopting healthy diets.
To support better communication, the council has developed resources including a science communication toolkit and guidance for interpreting food and health research, aimed at helping professionals translate complex scientific findings into clear and accessible information.
Kapsak noted that observances such as National Nutrition Month and National Science Appreciation Day serve as reminders of the vital role scientists and nutrition professionals play in helping the public make informed food choices.
“When we prioritise trust—through transparency, empathy and evidence—we empower people to make decisions that support their health and well-being,” she said.
