Step aside crispy fried chicken, greasy french fries and other calorie-laden foods. Residents in the UAE want their meals healthy, fresh and toxic-free.
According to a new survey furnished to Gulf News, the battle against the bulge is increasingly trending in the UAE, with nearly seven in 10 (63 per cent) people now actively trying to shave off some flab and 8 in 10 (83 per cent) willing to pay a premium to steer clear of fats and calories.
Findings of the latest Nielsen’s Global Health & Wellness survey show that the overwhelming 90 per cent of UAE respondents are going by the mantra of “you are what you eat” and nearly 87 per cent are “actively using foods” to ward off any potentially life-threatening issues like obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.
Nielsen says that with the newfound healthy quest, there is now a great opportunity for growth among retailers and manufacturers. All that is required is to rethink on their offerings and align their products to meet the UAE consumers’ needs and desires for a healthier living.
“In the past, obesity was a sign of wealth in the Arab world. But the health awareness has changed into the right direction which is a great opportunity for retailers and food manufacturers who can seize the opportunity now,” said Arslan Ashraf, managing director, Nielsen Arabian Peninsula.
“Consumers in the Gulf region are willing to change for a healthier living and looking for every support they can get especially from health-conscious food, as exercising in the summer months in our region becomes more challenging.”
Obesity has been a growing concern in the UAE. More than half (55 per cent) of the UAE respondents in Nielsen's survey consider themselves overweight. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013, the majority of residents in the UAE are putting their health at risk, with more than 66 per cent of men and 60 per cent of women said to be obese or overweight.
Nielsen’s survey, which polled 30,000 online respondents in 60 countries, also found that they are willing to pay a premium for foods that are good for their body, “to a degree.”
Nearly half of the respondents (43 per cent) believe that foods without genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are vital to their health, but only 34 per cent are very willing to buy GMO-free products.
However, 39 per cent of the respondents consider organic foods as a very important part of their grocery list, and an almost equal number of respondents (38 per cent) say they are willing to open their wallets for these products.
When it comes to the foods they want on their plate, UAE consumers prefer fresh, natural and minimally processed goods.
Products with all-natural ingredients are at the top of the list for 56 per cent of UAE residents, as well as those with high fiber content (53 per cent).
There is also a strong preference for greens, fruits and other foods that are low in cholesterol and artificial ingredients.
About five in 10 UAE consumers say that foods made from vegetables and fruits (52 per cent), those with low or zero cholesterol (52 per cent) and the ones that don’t have artificial flavors and colors (48 per cent) are also high on their list.
UAE consumers also put a high rating on foods that help them avoid life-threatening diseases and maintain good health.
Nearly half (47 per cent) consider it very important to also include in their diet foods that are fortified with vitamins. Almost five in ten (46 per cent) rate whole grains as very important to meet their nutritional needs, as well as those fortified with calcium (46 per cent) or high in protein (44 per cent).
Low-cholesterol foods are also preferred by 52 per cent of the respondents, as well as those that are low in sugar (41 per cent), fat (40 per cent) and salt (40 per cent). About one-third believe that it’s necessary to avoid foods that are laden with high fructose corn syrup (33 per cent) gluten (32 per cent) and caffeine (30 per cent).
Environmental and socioeconomic concerns also tend to influence consumers’ purchase decisions. Almost four in 10 consumers (39 per cent) think that organic and local herbs/ingredients (38 per cent) are very important, while 31 per cent say products that are sustainably sourced are ideal.
