Consumers are becoming more open to using artificial intelligence (AI) in the food and agriculture sectors, according to a recent report from Purdue University’s Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability. The August Consumer Food Insights Report surveyed 1,200 people across the U.S. to understand their views on food spending, safety, and technology’s role in agriculture.
Back in June 2023, when AI like ChatGPT was just starting to gain popularity, consumers had mixed feelings about the technology in food production. Fast forward to August 2025, and many people now routinely use AI tools. This familiarity has led to heightened interest in how AI can help reduce food waste and enhance crop production.
Joseph Balagtas, a professor at Purdue, leads the report and emphasizes that while trust in AI is growing, transparency is key. Nearly two-thirds of respondents believe it’s vital for food producers to reveal when AI is used in their processes.
Most consumers appear divided on the benefits of AI. While 53% see AI potentially improving food safety, 70% of those who are hesitant to choose “AI-assisted” products cite safety concerns. This contrast highlights a wide range of perspectives on technology’s role in food.
Interestingly, food choices are often driven by basic values like taste, affordability, nutrition, and availability, rather than environmental concerns. “Older consumers, in particular, tend to prioritize these factors,” points out Elijah Bryant, a survey analyst.
When it comes to diet quality, the average score for American adults is 62.2, indicating that while some individuals eat healthily, there is significant room for improvement. Only 17% of respondents were considered to have “healthy” diets.
Food security remains a pressing issue, with 13.5% of households facing difficulties. Younger adults reported the highest rates of food access challenges at 24.1%, compared to just 3% of those aged 65 and older.
Spending habits reveal that consumers spent an average of $127 weekly on groceries, with younger and middle-aged adults often spending more due to larger households. Additional figures suggest that consumers are bracing for a 4.5% increase in food prices over the next year, despite the actual inflation rate stabilizing around 2.9%.
An intriguing trend is seen in generational differences regarding food choices. Younger consumers tend to favor food labeled as sustainable, while older consumers appear more risk-averse about unfamiliar food options. At the same time, younger adults express mixed trust levels in various information sources regarding healthy eating, unlike older consumers who generally trust institutional sources more.
Overall, the report underlines a growing need for food companies to educate consumers about how AI can safely and effectively be used in food production. With the rise in AI tools, transparency and trust will be crucial to winning over consumer hearts and minds.
For more insights and the complete report, check out Purdue’s Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability.
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Agricultural Economics,Purdue University,AI tools to improve food and agriculture,ChatGPT,Joseph Balagtas,CFDAS,Elijah Bryant,Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability,Consumer Food Insights Report
