Food Science

The United States is a nation divided when it comes to food, and Americans’ food preferences are especially evident in what they don’t eat.

About half of U.S. adults say genetically modified foods are worse for one’s health than non-GM foods, while 44% think GM foods ingredients are neither better nor worse for one’s health.

Majorities of Americans see at least some risk from food produced using hormones, antibiotics, pesticides or artificial ingredients; half the public says that foods with genetically modified ingredients are worse for one's health than foods without.

The U.S. has more foreign students enrolled in its colleges and universities than any other country in the world. Explore data about foreign students in the U.S. higher education system.

We're eating more chicken, cheese and yogurt, but less beef, margarine and ice cream.

Many Americans are distrustful of information provided by the food industry on GM foods, and those who are concerned about GM food issues are especially skeptical.

Younger adults are more likely than older adults to think organic foods are better for their health and to believe GM foods are worse.

As public debates continue over a range of science-related topics, including climate change and the safety of eating genetically modified (GM) foods, Americans are largely skeptical about the degree to which scientists understand these two issues, whether there is scientific consensus on them, and the influences on scientists’ research. Recent Pew Research Center studies have […]

While a majority of Americans encounter conflicting news stories about food and healthy eating, most see it as a sign of continued progress in food science.

Divides in public opinion over food are encapsulated by how people assess the health effects of two kinds of food: organic and genetically modified foods.