A consumer research group has concluded a survey of 1,800 U.S. adults and determined that as many as 30% of American are either participating in or contemplating a low-carb diet.

Among the key findings of the survey by Opinion Dynamics Corporation of Cambridge, Mass., are:

  • Twenty percent of adults said they had tried a low-carb diet since 2002 and 11% of Americans - 24 million adults - are currently on a low-carbohydrate diet. That is much greater adoption by consumers than experts had previously thought.
  • Nineteen percent of respondents - about 44 million adults - who are not currently on a low-carb diet are "very" or "somewhat" likely to try one in the next two years.
  • The recent significant decrease in orange juice consumption may be almost entirely attributable to greater-than-expected adoption of low-carb diets by consumers.
  • Consumers rely on low-carb brand labels, packaging and advertising when selecting food items. Opinion Dynamics goes on to conclude that the research shows that "low carb" is more of a revolution, than a passing fad, and that it will have a dramatic impact on the food and beverage industries.