Menu
21/07/2023
People With Food Allergies Impacted By High Costs
People with food allergies and intolerances are impacted by high costs and lack of availability when buying 'free-from' food and drinks, according to new research published by the Consumer Council (CC).
The CC surveyed 1,000 consumers across Northern Ireland and held in-depth interviews with those working in the health sector, consumers with a hypersensitivity and those who buy free from products for lifestyle and health reasons, or due to environmental concerns.
Key findings of the research includes:
• Almost a third (30%) of consumers who purchase free-from food and drinks, do so because they or a family member has a food hypersensitivity
• Almost half (47%) of this group had experience of going without free-from food or drink products in the preceding 12 months
• Four in 10 (42%) of these consumers had to go without because an item was too expensive, in comparison to almost a third (32%) of those buying free-from products for other reasons
• Two-thirds (62%) of consumers with food hypersensitivity had to go without free-from products because they were unavailable in store
In-depth discussions with consumers revealed:
• Consumers buying for reasons of food hypersensitivity spoke of having to budget to buy free-from food and drinks, whilst others compensated by spending less on 'standard' or non-essential items like treats
• Value for money also came into question, with research participants pointing out that free-from pack sizes are often smaller, meaning they need to buy them in greater quantity, or more frequently, and at a price that is often higher than the 'standard' equivalent
• Research participants not only discussed the impact that high costs and availability can have on their finances, but also their health and emotional well-being
Commenting on the findings, Philippa McKeown-Brown, Head of Food Policy and Emerging Markets at the Consumer Council added: "Consumers' concerns about rising food prices and lack of availability are a recurring theme in the research we've undertaken in the last 18 months. We know from our latest Northern Ireland Household Expenditure Tracker this is particularly the case for low-income households who spend a greater proportion of their basic spend on food (20%) than higher earners (14%). For these consumers, spend on food is only fractionally lower than the combined costs of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (20.2% versus 20.8%).
"In response to cost of living pressures, consumers are changing how they shop and what they buy. However, if your health, or the health of a loved one depends on buying only certain products, you are less able to shop around for a cheaper alternative. We are sharing these findings and recommendations to raise awareness on an issue which affects almost a third of Northern Ireland consumers."
The CC surveyed 1,000 consumers across Northern Ireland and held in-depth interviews with those working in the health sector, consumers with a hypersensitivity and those who buy free from products for lifestyle and health reasons, or due to environmental concerns.
Key findings of the research includes:
• Almost a third (30%) of consumers who purchase free-from food and drinks, do so because they or a family member has a food hypersensitivity
• Almost half (47%) of this group had experience of going without free-from food or drink products in the preceding 12 months
• Four in 10 (42%) of these consumers had to go without because an item was too expensive, in comparison to almost a third (32%) of those buying free-from products for other reasons
• Two-thirds (62%) of consumers with food hypersensitivity had to go without free-from products because they were unavailable in store
In-depth discussions with consumers revealed:
• Consumers buying for reasons of food hypersensitivity spoke of having to budget to buy free-from food and drinks, whilst others compensated by spending less on 'standard' or non-essential items like treats
• Value for money also came into question, with research participants pointing out that free-from pack sizes are often smaller, meaning they need to buy them in greater quantity, or more frequently, and at a price that is often higher than the 'standard' equivalent
• Research participants not only discussed the impact that high costs and availability can have on their finances, but also their health and emotional well-being
Commenting on the findings, Philippa McKeown-Brown, Head of Food Policy and Emerging Markets at the Consumer Council added: "Consumers' concerns about rising food prices and lack of availability are a recurring theme in the research we've undertaken in the last 18 months. We know from our latest Northern Ireland Household Expenditure Tracker this is particularly the case for low-income households who spend a greater proportion of their basic spend on food (20%) than higher earners (14%). For these consumers, spend on food is only fractionally lower than the combined costs of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (20.2% versus 20.8%).
"In response to cost of living pressures, consumers are changing how they shop and what they buy. However, if your health, or the health of a loved one depends on buying only certain products, you are less able to shop around for a cheaper alternative. We are sharing these findings and recommendations to raise awareness on an issue which affects almost a third of Northern Ireland consumers."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 April 2024
90% Of NI Consumers Concerned About Rising Cost Of Basics
90% of consumers in Northern Ireland are concerned about the rising cost of basics, according to new research from the Consumer Council. Basics refer to the everyday living essentials such as housing, energy, food, transport and telephone/mobile and broadband costs.
90% Of NI Consumers Concerned About Rising Cost Of Basics
90% of consumers in Northern Ireland are concerned about the rising cost of basics, according to new research from the Consumer Council. Basics refer to the everyday living essentials such as housing, energy, food, transport and telephone/mobile and broadband costs.
15 November 2024
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
10 June 2013
Food Safety Myths Dispelled
The belief in food safety myths could be putting Northern Ireland consumers at risk of food poisoning, according to a new report. Food safety myths – like using the ‘sniff test’ to tell whether food is safe – are being dispelled by the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland and safefood to coincide with Food Safety Week, 10 - 16 June.
Food Safety Myths Dispelled
The belief in food safety myths could be putting Northern Ireland consumers at risk of food poisoning, according to a new report. Food safety myths – like using the ‘sniff test’ to tell whether food is safe – are being dispelled by the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland and safefood to coincide with Food Safety Week, 10 - 16 June.
04 November 2014
Wells Introduces New Food Hygiene Rating Bill
Northern Ireland's Health Minister Food Hygiene Rating Bill to the Assembly. If passed, the bill will make it compulsory for Northern Ireland food businesses to display their hygiene ratings under the 'Food Hygiene Rating Scheme' (FHRS). The current scheme, which has been operating in Northern Ireland since 2011, is only voluntary.
Wells Introduces New Food Hygiene Rating Bill
Northern Ireland's Health Minister Food Hygiene Rating Bill to the Assembly. If passed, the bill will make it compulsory for Northern Ireland food businesses to display their hygiene ratings under the 'Food Hygiene Rating Scheme' (FHRS). The current scheme, which has been operating in Northern Ireland since 2011, is only voluntary.
13 December 2013
Dog Food Meat Found In Human Food Chain
A government report has revealed that meat meant for dog food is thought to have ended up in the human food chain. The discovery was made in an "industrial-scale" fraud carried out in the region.
Dog Food Meat Found In Human Food Chain
A government report has revealed that meat meant for dog food is thought to have ended up in the human food chain. The discovery was made in an "industrial-scale" fraud carried out in the region.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
