At the recent Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) presented research showing that Americans trust registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) more than anyone else when it comes to information about food.
In a world of fast-moving news with a crowded field of sources sharing nutrition information, it can be challenging to know who to believe. The 2025 IFIC Food & Health Survey provides 20 years of insights on food and nutrition and emphasizes a growing demand for science-based and credible voices in food and health. Another resource, the IFIC Spotlight Survey: Americans’ Trust in Food and Nutrition Science, showed that two-thirds of Americans say they are more likely to trust food advice if it comes from a registered dietitian. While many look to social media for information, strong trust in online food content measures just 12% in 2025.
“Americans want to eat healthy, yet they’re navigating a minefield of messages and shifting priorities,” said Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, IFIC President & CEO, in a press release. “That’s why science-based communication from qualified professionals matters more than ever.”
“The exposure to, and trust in food information is a challenge, but it’s also a huge opportunity,” said Reinhardt Kapsak. “With so much nutrition noise out there, people are craving trusted voices. This is the moment for RDNs to step up, speak out, and help people make choices they can feel good about—backed by science and rooted in real life.”
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