Influences on food choices of urban Chinese teenagers

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the major influences of food choices of Chinese teenagers within a dynamic food marketing environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports findings from semi-structured interviews with high school students which examine teenagers’ guidelines for selecting food, along with their actual eating behavior.

Findings

The results reflect on how four major influences – personal, family, peer and retailer – may intersect to affect the eating behaviors of Chinese adolescents, as they navigate an intense education schedule during a time of rapidly changing cultural values. Different norms of food choice – nutrition, food safety, taste, body image, price, convenience, sharing, friendship and fun – are evoked according to the social context and concurrent activities of the teenagers.

Social implications

The findings offer tentative insights related to the potential for promoting healthier eating habits for adolescents in urban areas of China.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates how, within this rapidly changing food environment, food retailers are creating alliances with teenagers to meet needs of convenience, speed, taste and social interaction.

Citation

Veeck, A., Grace Yu, F., Yu, H., Veeck, G. and W. Gentry, J. (2014), "Influences on food choices of urban Chinese teenagers", Young Consumers, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 296-311. https://doi.org/10.1108/YC-08-2013-00390