EU citizens find innovative foods useful, but are calling for more information, according to Eurobarometer

The European Commission has published the results of a new special Eurobarometer survey on food innovation, which provides an EU-wide overview of how Europeans perceive innovative foods, ingredients and crops.

The survey reveals that many Europeans regard food innovation as a useful tool to help farmers and food producers tackle key challenges. Innovative foods and crops can strengthen the resilience and responsiveness of the European food system, broaden production options, support food security and help meet changing consumer needs, whilst respecting the EU’s high safety standards.

At the same time, the findings show that public attitudes remain cautious, with consistently higher levels of comfort among younger respondents, those with higher levels of education, urban respondents and those more familiar with innovative foods. People under the age of 39 are more comfortable with innovative foods than those aged 55 or over (over 50 per cent compared with 34 per cent). Comfort levels are also lower amongst respondents who left school at the age of 15 than amongst those who completed their education at the age of 20 or older. A similar pattern emerges based on place of residence: more than half of those living in large cities feel comfortable with foods developed using modern techniques, compared with 42 per cent to 46 per cent of those living in towns or rural areas. Levels of comfort also differ markedly according to information and knowledge, ranging from 72 per cent amongst those who feel well-informed to 36 per cent amongst those who do not, and from 59 per cent amongst those who had previously heard of innovative foods to 32 per cent amongst those with no prior experience.

Many people say they do not feel well-informed, which highlights the need for clear information, transparency and trust for innovation to succeed. The results provide valuable insights into how food innovation can be made more relevant, understandable and acceptable to society.

Europeans see potential, but want better information.

The survey shows that Europeans recognise the potential of food innovation. Almost seven in ten respondents (68 per cent) agree that it can provide farmers and food producers with additional tools to tackle challenges such as climate change, pests, resource scarcity and supply disruptions.

Among the innovative food products featured in the survey, those that met with the greatest acceptance were fruit and vegetables grown from crops adapted to drought, pests or extreme weather conditions. Half of those surveyed (50 per cent) said they felt comfortable consuming this type of product.

However, there is also a clear lack of information. Almost three-quarters of Europeans (72 per cent) say they do not feel well informed about innovative foods, ingredients and crops. Overall, 51 per cent have a negative opinion of innovative food products, whilst 39 per cent have a positive opinion.

The survey also highlights a strong link between information and public attitudes. Among respondents who feel well-informed, 72 per cent have a positive view of innovative foods. Among those who do not feel well-informed, that figure drops to 27 per cent.

Transparency and safety are key to building trust.

The results make it clear that transparency is important. A large majority of respondents (85 per cent) agree that innovative food products should have clear names and provide understandable information on how they are produced, what they contain and where they come from.

These findings provide important evidence for the development of future policies, research, innovation and communication initiatives. They can also help researchers, innovators and policy-makers to better reflect public expectations from the earliest stages of the innovation process.

Supporting the future of food research and innovation.

The survey comes at a crucial time for the EU’s food research and innovation agenda. Its findings are particularly relevant to Food 2040, the policy framework for research and innovation in food systems, which forms part of the EU’s recently adoptedStrategic Approach to Research and Innovation, aimed at achieving competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture, forestry, rural areas and food systems. Food 2040 emphasises the importance of involving consumers and stakeholders in innovation. Through co-creation and real-world testing, it seeks to ensure that new solutions meet economic, environmental and social needs.

As Europe works to strengthen the resilience and preparedness of its food system, innovation can broaden the range of solutions available to farmers and food producers, underpin food security and help address environmental pressures and changing consumer preferences. At the same time, Eurobarometer surveys show that successful uptake depends on clear information, transparency, safety and public trust.

Background

This Special Eurobarometer follows on from the EU Strategy for Life Sciences, which recognises that faster innovation must go hand in hand with public trust in new technologies and the assurance that scientific advances deliver real benefits for people and the planet.

Public understanding and engagement are particularly important in areas such as agriculture and food technology, where innovation is closely linked to health, sustainability, food security and people’s everyday decisions.

This Special Eurobarometer provides a timely insight into how Europeans perceive recent developments in innovative foods, ingredients and crops, the opportunities they see, and the conditions needed to gain their trust.

The survey was carried out in the 27 EU Member States between 22 May and 24 June 2026, with 26,456 respondents aged 15 or over.

 

More information: European Commission