According to consumer research commissioned by Ingredient Communications, people who use dietary supplements were significantly more likely to trust AI technology than those who did not.
In the survey conducted by SurveyGoo, 64 percent of supplement users agreed that AI was generally positive for humanity, compared with 40 percent of non-supplement users.
When asked about the use of AI in the food and beverage industry, more than half of supplement users said they felt optimistic about it, compared with only 30 percent of non-supplement users.
Supplement users in the survey were more likely to be willing to allow AI to make decisions on their behalf, with 62 percent stating they would be prepared to let the technology analyse their genetic makeup and dietary needs to make personalised nutrition recommendations. By contrast, only 33 percent of non-supplement users said they would be willing.
Similarly, 59 percent of supplement users agreed that AI could be trusted to make decisions about their diet and nutrition that were in their best interests. Only 28 percent of the non-supplement users felt the same way.
At the same time, respondents who were supplement users were slightly more likely to want safeguards around the use of AI in food and beverage products and said products made with the help of AI should declare this fact on the label.
Over 60 percent of supplement and non-supplement users agreed that a product made with the help of AI should not be described as ‘natural’.
“Our survey indicates that consumers who take supplements are much more likely to embrace the application of AI in the food and beverage industry than those who do not. More research would be needed to reveal why this is the case,” said Richard Clarke, Managing Director of Ingredient Communications.
“But we can speculate that the profile of a typical supplement user is someone who is more likely to embrace scientific and technological innovation if it enhances their wellbeing or gives them an edge in physical and mental performance.”
He added that it was necessary to note that these findings showed supplement users still expected transparency around the use of AI in the food and beverage sector. This may be because they tend to be an engaged and knowledgeable consumer demographic that does not compromise on safety and regulation.
“The message from supplement users, therefore, is clear: go ahead and innovate with AI – but be sure to take us on the journey with you.”
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