New Research Shows Consumers Want More Glass & Expect It from Brands Promoting Healthier Ingredients
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New Research Shows Consumers Want More Glass & Expect It from Brands Promoting Healthier Ingredients

October 12, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Tim Wright, The Cyphers Agency 
tim@thecyphersagency.com 
 

Glass Packaging Institute Releases New Research Showing Consumers Want More Glass and Expect It from Brands Promoting Healthier Ingredients 
 

Data Shows 64% of consumers want more foods and beverages in glass jars and bottles
 

ARLINGTON, VA, October 12, 2026 — New research from EcoFocus released by the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) shows that consumers want more foods and beverages available in glass. The data points to an emerging trend in how consumers define healthier products, with expectations extending beyond ingredients to the packaging itself.

The nationally representative survey of 4,046 U.S. adults, conducted from May through June 2026, found that 64% wish more foods and beverages were available in glass jars or bottles. This number jumps to 73% when posed to organic food buyers.

The survey also found that 72% believe foods and beverages with healthier ingredient lists should use packaging materials they consider healthier, too. Additionally, 60% expect natural and organic brands that promote healthy ingredients to use glass packaging. 
 
“These findings affirm what we have long known. Consumers trust glass and want more products packaged in it,” said Scott DeFife, President of the Glass Packaging Institute. “The demand is there, and brands have an opportunity to respond. Consumers are looking at more than the ingredient list. They expect the packaging to reflect the health and quality a brand stands for. Glass helps brands deliver on that expectation.” 
 
Beyond health expectations, the research highlights how glass packaging shapes consumer trust, purchasing decisions and brand loyalty. Among the other key findings:

  • Glass remains the most trusted packaging for health and sustainability: 59% report that glass is the only material they trust to not have to worry about chemicals.

  • Packaging influences purchases: 54% say they have changed what they buy to avoid packaging that might introduce unwanted chemicals into their foods or beverages.

  • Glass is the most sought packaging material when the packaging is influencing product or brand choice at 42%.

  • Younger shoppers have higher expectations: 69% of Millennials and 63% of Gen Z expect natural and organic brands that promote healthy ingredients to use glass packaging.

  • Functional Beverage buyers care about packaging the most: 69% report that packaging influenced their purchase and 71% want to see more glass options.

  • Jarred food buyers look for glass first: With more shoppers stocking up on pantry staples, 62% are looking for glass first, and buying those products in glass whenever available.

Together, the findings show that packaging is part of how consumers evaluate products and brands, giving brands and retailers practical insights into what shoppers expect and how they respond to packaging decisions. 

 

About the Research

EcoFocus Research conducted the online survey from May 28 through June 14, 2026, among 4,046 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The nationally representative study was balanced to the U.S. Census. Findings reflect consumer attitudes, expectations and self-reported behaviors. EcoFocus has conducted the study annually since spring 2010, except in 2021 and 2023.

About the Glass Packaging Institute 

Founded in 1919 as the Glass Container Association of America, the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is the trade association representing the North American glass container industry. On behalf of glass container manufacturers, GPI promotes glass as the optimal packaging choice, advances environmental and recycling policies, advocates industry standards, and educates packaging professionals. Follow GPI on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates on all things glass. Learn more at www.gpi.org.