TNS Intersearch Survey Finds Consumers Want Healthier Fast Food Choices; But It Doesn't Keep Them Away from the Drive Thru

Business Wire, June 12, 2003

Lifestyle Editors/Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

HORSHAM, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 12, 2003

Nearly 40 percent of fast food consumers say they are concerned about the nutritional content of fast food and are seeking more nutritional fast food choices, according to a recent study conducted by TNS Intersearch, one of the world's leading research companies.

The study, conducted among over 1,000 fast food customers in March 2003, showed that those concerned with nutrition are still avid consumers, with over 6.6 visits per month, as compared to 8.1 visits for those unconcerned with nutrition.

In fact, nutrition seekers, the majority of whom are female, are more likely than non-nutrition seekers to say they have been going to fast casual restaurants and sandwich restaurants more often over the past year.

Not just worried about their own well being, parents are increasingly concerned about the effect of fast food on their children, with over half saying they now consider the amount of fat their children eat at fast food restaurants.

So, which is the chain of choice for healthy eaters? Compared to the other national chains, Subway has the highest proportion of nutrition-seekers among its core customers.

About TNS Intersearch

TNS Intersearch, one of the ten largest custom research companies in the United States, is organized into specialized groups focusing on automotive; consumer packaged goods; e-commerce; financial services; healthcare; hospitals and healthcare insurance; information technology; media; public opinion polling; restaurants; retail; social and government; sports;telecommunications; transportation; travel, leisure and hospitality; and utilities and energy sectors.