At least 98% of consumers have now heard of omega-3 oils and more are likely to purchase products containing α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 oils, finds Cargill’s Fatitudes research.
The study looks at how consumers view omega-3 oils, in particular, could help food and beverage manufacturers develop products with messaging that is meaningful to grocery shoppers.
Specifically, DHA omega-3 has the most impact of purchase intent (23%) followed by EPA (16%) and ALA (11%).
In early 2014, the company introduced IngreVita, a drop-in oil ingredient to help food manufacturers boost the nutritional benefits of their products.
It is a combination of high oleic canola oil, fish oil and proprietary antioxidants, and contains EPA and DHA omega-3s, which are long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that play an important role in heart health and brain development.
Cargill showcased IngreVita at SupplySide West Global Expo and Conference in Las Vegas, US on early October 2014.
