Factors Affecting Fast Food

If our food choices were driven solely on the factors of hunger, and the desire for nutrient, and energy efficient fuel for the body, we as Americans would be a healthier bunch, eating the same foods our great grandmothers could recognize. However this is not the case. So, what are the determining factors shaping what foods we eat? With time, food and technology have progressed, as the food industry has changed the food game completely by having influence on consumer. According to International Food Information Council (IFIC) foundation 2011 food and health survey "Taste and price are the biggest drivers of Americans food choices". Although the economy may impact your finances, and foods high in sugar and salt taste better, make smarter choices,

It seems that the economy directly impacts, how much we want to spend on our food. Americans would rather spend less, than buy for nutritional reasons, and from recognizing the ingredients that are in the foods today. If looking at price per nutrient units, purchasing healthier foods, gives you a better deal. For example, one may buy a big bag of potato chips for four to five dollars with minimal to no nutrients or one could buy fruits and vegetables, loaded with nutrients, for just a dollar more. The fact that Americans base the majority of what the eat on costs, makes it a huge market, to which the Fast food chains and food manufacturing companies depend on for studied consumer behaviors, and have found ways to reduce costs, to just cents, to produce foods using biotechnology in a science lab. These methods require additives, chemical compounds, and genetic modification. However, consumer safety is not a motive here. Their goal is to produce more, and sell as much of it as they can. These Lab created products are turned around and sold for just enough to be competitive yet less expensive that other choices. Again to meet the needs of consumers, they will prefer these products based on lower prices. Successfully allocating them to profit huge

In today 's fast paced society, time is our most valued asset. For this reason, consumers desire ready-to-serve and quick-to-prepare foods. Manufacturers have responded and continue to respond by expanding new convenience foods. Have we lost our values and importance of foods. It seems so many of us have forgotten the importance of home cooked meals, and making time for the kitchen. Continuing to go for the quick and easy foods, is like taking a short-cut, however the end results are unknown. Many manufactures are not trying to make life easier on us, with our best interests at heart; food industry continues to introduce convenient foods like top ramen, because they believe using a little onion and garlic for flavoring is too costly-they 'd rather use artificial garlic and onion flavors instead. According to _________ "It 's all profit based with no thought for health of the consumer"( ). Though such additives, chemical ingredients, and genetically modified foods, tend to save us some time, and are openly available, there are concerns to whether they are safe. With FDA 's approval they continue to show up on our shelves, with very minimal regulations and no requirement for long term testing. Consumers aren 't clear on what they are eating. Rather than educate Americans, on the biotechnology of processed foods, FDA and corporations like Monsanto, would rather use marketing labels and convenience to keep