Market Surveys to Determine Availability of Reduced Glycemic Load/High Fiber Products.

Availability of prepared foods in today's market that provide healthy diets for consumers 65 and older is lacking. A general market survey, covering nine grocery stores and approximately 400 items in the greater Baton Rouge area, was conducted on snack foods, frozen meals, and dry products. Two other surveys included a survey of pasta items and a blind consumer survey targeting consumers ages 65 and older. In each survey, products were categorized as high, medium, or low in fiber and low, medium, or high glycemic load. Prepared meals with high levels of dietary fiber and low glycemic loads were found to be rare. Results from the blind consumer survey found that key unsatisfactory characteristics in commercial products were texture and color. Our research suggests that there is a need for the development of healthier prepared meals in the grocery store market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]