Consumer perceptions of nanomaterials in functional foods

Nanotechnology holds the potential to create an array of functional foods that appeal to consumers while addressing nutritional and health needs. But like other food technologies, the acceptance of nanotechnology-based functional foods is dependent on factors that lie outside the control of the food industry. Recognizing the role, influence, and drivers of public perceptions of nanotechnology will be key to its acceptance by the consuming public. This chapter is designed to address what is known about consumer perceptions of nanotechnology and its application to food products that may be useful in informing the development of new functional foods made possible through the use of nanomaterials.