College Honors Program

Date of Creation

4-22-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Economics

First Advisor

Katherine Kiel

Abstract

For many individuals with food allergies purchasing allergy safe food is essential yet costly. Allergy safe food often costs more than its standard counterparts and is becoming increasingly important due to poor labeling regulations and increased recalls resulting from undeclared allergens. Understanding how much more consumers are willing to pay for allergy safe foods as well as what elements impact their willingness to pay such as the number of allergies, allergy severity, age, gender, and income is important. A contingent valuation approach was used to collect data which was analyzed using a multiple-variable linear regression model. The results reveal consumers are willing to pay more for safe food options. Older individuals are less willing to pay for safe foods but consumers who are more likely to try new foods are willing to pay more for safety. Income was positively correlated with willingness to pay and gender was not statistically significant. There is both statistical and economic justification for investing in allergen-free production and labeling to meet consumer needs.

Comments

Reader: Conor Carney

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