Press Release
Study shows perceptions around high fructose corn syrup in social and online mainstream media
East Lansing, Michigan – November 27, 2012 – Loudpixel, a social media research company, has released a new study examining social media perceptions around high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
Researchers examined social media posts across Twitter, blogs, comments, videos, Facebook, forums and mainstream news to determine overall sentiment and specific conversation drivers related to the use, safety and general opinions of HFCS. The team examined perceptions around the most discussed potential side effects of the ingredient, including weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and others. Researchers also examined sentiment around the most discussed food and beverage categories and around specific brands including Heinz, Oreo, Smuckers and others.
Earlier this year, Loudpixel conducted a similar study around social perceptions related to sugar substitutes.
“After pulling together our research results related to perceptions around sugar substitutes, high fructose corn syrup was the natural next step in our research,” says Allie Siarto, co-founder and Director of Analytics at Loudpixel, “There are more social media conversations taking place about HFCS than about any single sugar substitute, so it’s clearly a topic that people are passionate about.”
The full report can be downloaded at http://loudpixel.com/hfcs
Quick Facts: Sample of Study Findings
- 65.2% of all social posts about HFCS were negative.
- The top most discussed product categorizes were soda (10.3%), candy (2.9%), ketchup (2.9%), gum (1.8%) and bread (1.5%).
- 42.5% of social media posts discussed potential side effects of HFCS, led by mentions of weight gain.
- 14.3% of social media posts related to HFCS were driven by references to specific research studies.
Image Downloads
- Image: Allie Siarto
- Image: Lesley Smith
- Image: Loudpixel logo
- Image: Study cover
Quotes:
- “The sharing of facts, research and other news through social media is driving purchase decisions now more than ever. Marketers who understand these perceptions will be better armed to create products people want to buy and to communicate with audiences.” —Allie Siarto
- “After pulling together our research results related to perceptions around sugar substitutes, high fructose corn syrup was the natural next step in our research. There are more social media conversations taking place about HFCS than about any single sugar substitute, so it’s clearly a topic that people are passionate about.” —Allie Siarto
- “Thanks to social media,
consumer opinions are distributed globally by the second. Every whisper about a brand, from the slightest concern about product manufacturing to a positive 140-character product review, can be amplified” —Lesley Smith
About Loudpixel
Loudpixel is a social media research and measurement company based out of East Lansing, Michigan. Learn more at http://loudpixel.com.
Contact
For specific facts, figures and questions, please contact:
Allie Siarto
allie (at) loudpixel.com
