While they're sold on Main Streets across the country, organic foods have yet to gain mainstream acceptance by U.S. consumers, according to a new study by the marketing research firm the TABS Group.

As reported by Foodnavigator-USA.com earlier this week, the TABS Group study found that "less than 40 percent of adults claim to have purchased anything from the major organic categories in the last six months." This contrasts sharply with non-organic products, which have household penetration levels of well above 70 percent, noted the researcher.

Organic fresh fruit was the big winner in the organic food category, garnering the highest purchase incidence of 27 percent, according to the TABS Group Organic Product study, which covered beauty care items as well as food. The study, conducted in November 2008, surveyed 1,000 respondents over 18 years old, who indicated that they also favored organic fresh vegetables, which came in a close second at 26 percent. Organic dairy products and eggs and milk had a purchase incidence of 18 percent and 17 percent, respectively.

In comparison, frozen organic products such as vegetables, fruit and ice cream have received a chilly response from consumers. The TABS study found these organic food items had a purchase incidence of just 5 percent to 6 percent.

But the Organic Trade Association (OTA) anticipates a warming trend. As we reported last month, despite the challenges faced by the organics industry, the OTA forecasts sales of organic foods will rise by 18 percent a year, on average, through 2010. The association expects its customer base to grow on the assumption that prices will drop and mainstream retailers will stock a wider variety of products.