CONSUMERS OPTING FOR REDUCED-FAT ITEMS: SURVEY

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. -- Consumers are letting their dietary concerns affect the way they satisfy their sweet tooths, according to results of a recent 3 Musketeers Hidden Treasures National Survey.

revealed 54% of Americans selected reduced-fat versions of snack foods over original versions; the same number of consumers feel they are sacrificing taste when they select reduced-fat products; 84% rate taste as the most important factor when selecting snack foods; only 7% of those polled believe reduced-fat versions of products taste better than original versions, and 75% of respondents said they are concerned with the amount of fat in their diet.

"These survey results show that Americans are caught between concern about the amount of fat in their diet and the desire for something that tastes good," said Deralee Scanlon, registered dietitian and "snackologist" for the 3 Musketeers survey.

"But, if taste is so important and reduced-fat products aren't delivering, the majority of Americans are not really satisfied with the snack foods they're eating."