Health is Wealth: MyFitnessPal's Third Annual Nutrition IQ Survey Exposes Americans' Nutritional Blind Spots Amid Rising Food Prices

As rising food costs continue to impact household decisions, MyFitnessPal's latest survey reinforces the importance of food tracking to stay on top of both nutrition and budget

NEW YORK, March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MyFitnessPal, the leading global nutrition and food tracking app, has released their Nutrition IQ 3.0 survey¹, following results from 2024 and 2022. The takeaway? A large majority of Americans still struggle with basic nutritional knowledge. Consistent with the past two surveys, 89% of people report that they don't have a clear understanding of how much protein, fiber, carbs, sugar, and salt they consume daily. Although 69% of survey respondents want to increase their protein intake, many do not recognize which foods offer the most nutritional value within their budget. Still, 87% of respondents agree that logging food helps them stay informed, making tools like MyFitnessPal invaluable in helping people make better, more informed food choices.

While the new year traditionally inspires health-oriented resolutions, current economic pressures are adding a layer of complexity. Rising food prices further complicate efforts to prioritize nutrient-dense options in grocery carts, creating a substantial barrier for many. Tracking food offers a practical solution, empowering consumers to make informed decisions that benefit both their health and their wallet.

"As food prices rise, it's more important than ever to make every dollar count by choosing foods that are both affordable and nutrient-dense," said Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, Head of Nutrition of MyFitnessPal. "Tracking what you eat not only helps you understand your nutrient intake but can also help you identify nutrient-dense options that fit your budget. For example, if certain protein sources are currently out of reach due to price, options like beans, lentils, or canned tuna can provide protein at your meal at a lower cost. Education is key, and making informed decisions about your food is essential to maximizing both your health and your wallet."

Along with a general gap in nutrition knowledge, increased food prices have changed the way Americans are buying food. A 2022 study from the University of Warwick found that Americans pay 40% more on fruits and vegetables due to high fixed costs, while a 2024 Research!America national poll reported that nearly two-thirds (60%) of Americans find the cost of healthy food a barrier to affording nutritious options. With rising food prices, it's important to make informed decisions about the foods that will provide the most nourishment for the cost. This year's MyFitnessPal survey reveals that cooking on a budget remains a top priority for Americans, but a striking 76% of survey participants also reported that they do not check nutritional values before dining out – highlighting that while people try to eat more mindfully at home, dining decisions continue to be driven by convenience and cost rather than nutritional quality.

Knowledge is power, and now consumers can test their nutrition prowess with MyFitnessPal's new Nutrition IQ Quiz for a realistic measure of where they can fill their own education gaps.

As one of the most trusted resources on nutrition, MyFitnessPal has refined the MyFitnessPal Scientific Advisory Council – a group of top experts from across the industry with diverse backgrounds and varied areas of expertise helping to shape the improved capabilities of the app. Returning members include Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, who specializes in helping her clients manage their blood sugar and Type 2 diabetes, and Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, whose team focuses on medical nutrition therapy for metabolic conditions, mood disorders, and disordered eating. Joining the council for 2025 is Doctor Mike Varshavski, a board-certified family medicine physician and media personality who advocates for small lifestyle changes that have a big, lasting impact on health over time.

For more information on MyFitnessPal, visit www.myfitnesspal.com or download via App Store and Google Play.

About MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal is the #1 global nutrition and food tracking app founded in 2005 with a mission to help people around the world reach their health goals through better food choices by providing knowledge, motivation, and a sense of progress. Supporting nearly 1 million people in reaching their nutrition and fitness goals every year, and with a community of over 270 million users in 120 countries, MyFitnessPal offers members one of the world's most comprehensive nutrition and food tracking platforms, allowing them to track their food, record exercise activity, and log their weight. With one of the largest food databases in the world comprising over 20.5 million foods, access to over 2,000 recipes, more than 40 workout routines, and over 40 connected fitness partners, MyFitnessPal provides members with the tools for positive healthy change.

¹ Research was fielded by MyFitnessPal in January 2025. MyFitnessPal surveyed 1,000 nationally representative participants between the ages of 18-64 across the United States.

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SOURCE MyFitnessPal