26 Organic Food Consumption Statistics Millennials Should Know for Healthier Choices

The consumption of organic food has increased not only in the United States but globally. With the rise of well-being and health-conscious programs, people tend to lean toward organic foods to achieve this lifestyle.

This article will focus on 26 Curious Organic Food Consumption Statistics that focus on interesting facts, debates, benefits, and environmental impacts of organic food. Some of these include:

• Just under 7% of land is used for organic farming in Europe
• Organic farming uses 50% less energy than regular farming
• Organic farming can help increase biodiversity
• Organic food contains 48% less cadmium 
• Millennials buy more organic food than older generations
• The organic chocolate market is valued at $532.45 million
• The organic tea market is growing quickly
• Organic food is 24% more expensive than regular food
• About ¼ of people in the US have never bought organic
• Dairy and produce are two common organic food sources in the US

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Learn More About These Curious Organic Food Consumption Statistics

More people are enjoying organic food these days. So you should learn as much as you can about this latest food trend. 

Organic Food Sales Increased by 12.4% To 61.9 Billion Dollars in 2020 (OTA)

This increase in organic foods and beverages is documented in the Organic Trade Association. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the rise as many people switched to healthy food options to boost their immunity and prevent catching the virus.

The pandemic had the whole world indoors, and people had to switch to more home-cooked meals to stay healthy because they couldn’t go to the gym. Therefore people adopted a healthy routine that included consuming more organic foods and beverages.

Organic Food Surveys Indicate the Continued Sales Growth in the U.S. (OTA)

A survey conducted by the Organic Trade Association shows that organic food and beverages in the U.S. alone increased by 5% in 2019. The increase in sales is attributed to the rise in healthy living lifestyles and the expansion of home delivery apps.

Organic Food Sales Hit a Record of $52 Billion in 2018 (IFT)

An article containing data compiled by the Organic Trade Association shows a record high of $52 billion in sales of organic food and beverages in the U.S. From the data, fresh produce and dairy products were the leading items bought in the survey.

The Asia Pacific Region Has a Predicted Organic Food Growth Rate of 17.5% Between 2022 and 2030 (Grand View Research)

The report above seeks to study the global Organic food intake between the years 2021 to 2028. This article thoroughly examines how organic food came to be and how it will grow.

Fresh Produce, Dairy, and Packaged Foods Are Among the Most Common Organic Food Products in the U.S. (USDA)

According to this statistic, they are common because of the high demand for healthier, environmentally friendly, natural food options. These food products allow consumers to make crucial decisions on what they eat while also playing a role in building sustainable farming practices that protect the environment.

Compared to Conventional Farming Methods, Organic Farming Can Use Up to 50% Less Energy (MDPI)

Several studies have compared the energy efficiency between organic and conventional farming methods. For instance, a survey by the Rodale Institute discovered that organic farming is more energy efficient than traditional farming. 

According to their study, organic systems use up to 45% less power than conventional systems. Organic agriculture can significantly minimize energy consumption and significant carbon emissions, thus making it a sustainable alternative option. 

Approximately 6.7% Of European Agricultural Land Is Used Mainly for Organic Farming (European Community)

According to a report published by the European Commission in 2019, land used for organic farming in the European Union was around 13.8 million hectares. This represents 6.7% of the total land used for agriculture. 

Millennials Are More Likely To Buy Organic Food Compared to the Other Generations (Organic Trade Association)

A 2019 report by the Organic Trade Association discovered that millennials drive the growth of the organic food market in the United States of America. According to the report, millennials are willing to spend more on organic foods and are more informed about healthy living and sustainability than the other generations. 

Cadmium Levels Are 48% Lower in Organic Crops Than Regular Crops (Organic Trade Association)

Cadmium is a chemical that can build up in your lungs and make you very ill. Organic crops have 48% lower levels of cadmium than normal crops, making them the healthier choice. 

In 2020, the Organic Food Market in the U.K. Was Valued at 2.79 Billion Pounds in 2020 (Statista)

A study by Statista shows that the organic food market in the U.K. was valued at 2.7 billion pounds, a very significant rise from the previous year when the market was valued at 2.45 billion pounds. 

The organic food market in the U.K. is expected to keep growing in the coming years, and it is predicted that the market could hit more than 3 billion before the end of 2023. 

Globally, the Organic Meat Market Is Expected To Grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate(Cagr) Of 7.4% From 2021 to 2028 (Global News Wire)

It is estimated that the global meat market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% from the year 2021 to 2028. The report says that increasing consumer demand for organic and antibiotic-free meat products will be the reason for this growth. 

The Average Price of Organic Food Is 24% Higher Than Conventional Food in the U.S. (Consumer Reports)

A study carried out by Consumer Reports in 2015 found that the cost of organic foods is 47% higher than Conventional food in the U.S.A. This came after they analyzed price data ranges of organic and conventional food products like meat, dairy produce, and other packaged goods. 

They found out that organic food was quite expensive. However, the studies show that despite the high cost of organic foods, many consumers will still purchase them. 

Why Is Organic Food More Expensive Than Conventionally Grown Food? (FAO)

The article above by FAO magazine explores why organic food is more expensive than conventionally grown food. It highlights the factors necessary for organic food to grow and the critical measures for a successful harvest.

Organic Milk Is More Nutrient Rich (Help Guide)

Nutrients like omega-3 were 50% more prominent in organic milk and meat.

Organic Agriculture (United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization)

The statistics above were extracted from the frequently asked questions segment of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, which provides tons of information on organic farming.

Why Americans Buy Organic (Gallup)

The Gallup Poll contributed to the above topic, which explains the American people’s attitude toward organic food and how much they consume and spend.

Who Buys Organic Food (Organic Trade Association )

The article from the Organic Trade Association provides a thorough breakdown of the demographic that consumes the most organic food and beverages from gender to age.

Organic Food: Is It Worth the Cost? (Vitacost)

Things that may make organic food more expensive for the consumer include the land needed for it to successfully grow and the work the farmers must put in to maintain it. 

Organic Farming Increases Biodiversity at Every Level (Business Wales)

Organic farming practices increase species abundance by as much as 50%.

Around One-Quarter of the American Population Has Never Bought Organic (Deals On Health)

Despite organic food being better for your health, some Americans are put off by the price. 

Only 32% Of American People Think Organic Food Tastes Better (Pew Research)

About 59% of people believe organic food tastes the same as regular food, but about 5% actually believe that it tastes worse. 

32.13% Of Canadians Eat Organic Food Once a Week (MedAlertHelp)

Some even consume organic food twice a week. 

Only 33% Of Americans Who Buy Organic Food Say It Is for the Environment (Pew Research)

Most do it for health reasons and only 22% buy organic food out of convenience. This finding suggests that more should be done to make it easier for people to buy organic food. 

Global Organic Dairy Market Expected To Grow at 10.2% Cagr by 2026 (Allied Market Research)

In 2018, organic dairy food and drinks had a market value of $17,849.0 million. By 2026, this is predicted to grow to $38,765.0 million.

Global Organic Cocoa Market Valued at $532.45 Million in 2020 (Fortune Business Insight)

Fortune Business Insight ls projects that the consumption of organic chocolate is expected to grow to $942.57 million in 2028. Several people prefer it to natural chocolate.

Global Organic Tea Market Expected To Grow at 7.4% Cagr by 2027 (Allied Market Research)

The Allied Market Research believes that global Organic production and consumption will grow to 7.4 % by 2027.

Final Thoughts

This list of 26 curious organic food consumption statistics should help you learn more about organic food. Though it’s slightly more expensive, more people are choosing to buy organic because of its environmental and health benefits.