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1 – 10 of over 5000
Article
Publication date: 8 June 2012

Dan Petrovici, Andrew Fearne, Rodolfo M. Nayga and Dimitris Drolias

The primary purpose is to examine the factors that affect the use of nutritional facts, nutrient content claims and health claims on food label use in the United Kingdom.

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Abstract

Purpose

The primary purpose is to examine the factors that affect the use of nutritional facts, nutrient content claims and health claims on food label use in the United Kingdom.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the results of a survey of over 300 face‐to‐face interviews with shoppers of Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury – three of the major supermarkets in the UK.

Findings

Product class involvement factors, individual characteristics, health‐related factors (nutritional knowledge, health locus of control, perceived need of dietary change), situational, attitudinal and behavioral factors were found to be significant factors affecting the use of nutritional information and nutritional and health claims on food labeling. While the use of nutritional information and health claims increases with the stated importance of “nutrition” and “family preferences”, it is less likely among shoppers for whom “taste” is an important driver of food purchasing behaviour. There is also evidence of mistrust in health claims, as indicated by the negative relationship between the consideration of such claims and the stated importance of “quality” and perceived need to “change dietary quality” – the more discerning shoppers are the least likely to consider health claims.

Originality/value

The study provides evidence that a wider range of product class involvement factors is necessary to predict the use of nutritional information and nutritional and health claims on food labeling. It also offers a conceptualization of health‐related factors to include health locus of control as a predictor of the acquisition of nutrition and health information.

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2023

Zeina Akiki, Yara El Haber, Pamela Al Kassir, Fouad Sakr, Michelle Cherfane and Cecile Obeid

This study aims to assess nutrition knowledge (NK) and willingness to seek nutritional counseling (WSNC) and their predictors among university students in Lebanon.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess nutrition knowledge (NK) and willingness to seek nutritional counseling (WSNC) and their predictors among university students in Lebanon.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional design was used to enroll students from two large private universities in Lebanon. Data were collected by a standardized questionnaire. NK scores on general and specific nutrition areas were computed. The predictors of NK and WSNC were determined by multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Findings

A total of 370 students were included, among which 68% had good general nutritional knowledge, which appears to be associated with being a pharmacy student (adjusted OR (aOR) = 4.26 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55; 11.7]), and having a dietitian as a reference for nutritional information (aOR = 8.84 [95% CI 1.94; 40.3]). However, 64% of participants had a high specific nutritional knowledge score, which was related to either attending a school of arts and sciences or being a pharmacy student (aOR = 10.8 [95% CI 4.08; 28.5]). Most students (80%) had the will to seek nutritional counseling, which was positively associated with being a female (aOR = 2.01 [95% CI 1.10; 3.67]) and a pharmacy student (aOR = 2.62 [95% CI 1.15; 5.95]). The general nutritional knowledge score was significantly associated with the WSNC (aOR = 2.10 [95% CI 1.04; 4.25]).

Originality/value

Higher nutritional knowledge and WSNC were found among students enrolled in health-related fields. These results underline how important nutrition education is as a strategy for inspiring college students to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 53 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2019

Yam B. Limbu, Christopher McKinley, Rajesh K. Gautam, Ajay K. Ahirwar, Pragya Dubey and C. Jayachandran

The purpose of this paper is to examine the indirect effects of nutritional knowledge and attitude toward food label use on food label use through self-efficacy and trust, as well…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the indirect effects of nutritional knowledge and attitude toward food label use on food label use through self-efficacy and trust, as well as whether gender moderates this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of Indian adults with multiple chronic conditions was surveyed about their nutritional knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and use of food labels. Hypotheses were tested using Hayes’s (2013) PROCESS macro for SPSS.

Findings

The results show that nutritional knowledge and attitude toward food label use positively predict food label use through self-efficacy and trust. However, these mediation effects are moderated by gender such that the indirect relationship is stronger among men than women.

Practical implications

Food marketers and government agencies engaged in nutrition education campaigns should aim to increase patients’ confidence in comprehending food label information.

Social implications

Since food labels can be a valuable tool to help patients with chronic diseases to make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle, regulators may consider mandating nutritional labels on foods to help them improve their food or dietary choices.

Originality/value

This study uniquely applies Fisher and Fisher’s (1992) information–motivation–behavioral skills model as a theoretical framework to examine the influence of nutrition knowledge and attitude toward food label use on food label usage of Indian patients with multiple chronic diseases.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 121 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 April 2012

Stephen L. Baglione, Louis A. Tucci and John L. Stanton

The purpose of this study is to determine whether reported nutritional knowledge and the acceptance of benefit claims for a fresh produce item is related to changes in preference…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine whether reported nutritional knowledge and the acceptance of benefit claims for a fresh produce item is related to changes in preference in order to provide food marketers insight and guidance into giving consumers more information to change beliefs and preferences, using health‐benefit claims to position their brands as offering ingredients, e.g. Lycopene which may prevent serious illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample was drawn from an internet panel maintained by Markettools, Inc, a respected market research company in the USA. A total of 594 respondents were surveyed. Besides demographic questions, respondents were asked about their knowledge of nine nutrients. Basic nutrient knowledge was estimated through a one‐sample t‐test tested against a value of two on a 1‐4 scale. Respondents evaluated eight benefit statements regarding the health benefits of mushrooms. After reading each statement, respondents indicated their likelihood of purchasing fresh mushrooms and were asked about the believability, favorability, and uniqueness of each statement.

Findings

The results indicate that health‐related food benefit claims are better accepted by female respondents who claim to be nutritionally knowledgeable and who are older. Three hypotheses related to nutritional knowledge and beliefs showed that knowledge and beliefs have an effect but the effect varied by nutrient and nutrient cluster. In particular, knowledge of esoteric nutrients such as Pantothenic Acid was associated with acceptance of health‐related claims.

Practical implications

Food marketers are spending millions of dollars/pounds/euros on informing people of the nutrient content and health benefits of their foods. However, this money can be better spent if one first understands the existing levels of nutritional knowledge and the specific nutrients that motivate change in preference or buying intention.

Originality/value

This paper builds on the existing body of knowledge using additional statistical techniques to cluster nutrients and to provide a demonstration on a fresh produce food group not currently investigated in the literature. It suggests that food marketers need to gather more information on their consumers to target their health and nutrition message to the proper (more receptive) audience.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 114 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2006

Sue Murphy and Yvonne Jeanes

To determine how nutritional knowledge and residential status influences the diets of a group of young professional football players and compare them to controls of the same age.

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Abstract

Purpose

To determine how nutritional knowledge and residential status influences the diets of a group of young professional football players and compare them to controls of the same age.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven day dietary records and nutritional knowledge questionnaires were analyzed and anthropometric measurements were taken mid‐way through the competitive season.

Findings

The football players, with a mean body mass index of 23.6 ± 1.2 kg m2 and body fat of 15.3 ± 3 per cent were significantly lighter than the controls. They also consumed significantly fewer calories than the controls (10.26 + 1.8 v. 13.89 + 0.7 MJ per day), and less than the recommended amounts for soccer players. Both groups could benefit from increasing their carbohydrate intakes, although fat and protein intakes were appropriate. Nutritional knowledge had little impact on dietary intakes. However, players who resided in the soccer club hostels had significantly greater energy intakes, consumed more carbohydrate and less fat (p < 0.05) than players who lived in their parental home.

Originality/value

It was identified that youth players require assistance in the implementation of their knowledge of nutrition to their own diets. In particular they need to increase their nutritional intakes inline with recommendations, in order to optimize their playing ability and provide the energy they need for growth. This is particularly true for those who live away from the scrutiny of the football club.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 36 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 June 2020

Bendegul Okumus and Ahmet Bulent Ozturk

The purpose of this paper is to identify the relationship between Millennials' perceived stress and their external and emotional eating behaviors. Furthermore, the moderating…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the relationship between Millennials' perceived stress and their external and emotional eating behaviors. Furthermore, the moderating effect of nutritional knowledge on the relationship between perceived stress and emotional eating and perceived stress and external eating of US Millennials was tested.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 649 Millennials between the ages of 18 and 35 in the United States, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

This study extends the literature and provides further insights into the relationship between US Millennials' eating behavior and stress factors. Perceived stress positively influenced Millennials' emotional and external eating behavior, and nutritional knowledge significantly moderated the relationships between perceived stress and emotional eating and perceived stress and external eating.

Research limitations/implications

First, data was collected from Millennials living in the United States. Second, not all of the predictors, save one (perceived stress), were selected and hypothesized as predictors of Millennials' eating behavior. The paper provides the essential psychological elements of US Millennials' eating behavior.

Originality/value

If unbalanced eating and obesity are the result of negative psychological factors, the recommended diet models or physical exercise by themselves may be less effective at combating obesity and related health issues. This is because stress was found to be a highly significant reason for unbalanced eating, new and more practical stress coping strategies are needed to moderate unbalanced eating behavior.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 123 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 April 2021

Leopoldo Trieste, Andrea Bazzani, Alessia Amato, Ugo Faraguna and Giuseppe Turchetti

The purpose of this paper is to explore the associations between food literacy, consumer profiling and purchasing behaviour in a sample of Italian consumers.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the associations between food literacy, consumer profiling and purchasing behaviour in a sample of Italian consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants (N = 194) completed an online survey including personal data, two questionnaires on purchase behaviour and food consumption, the General Trust Scale (GTS), a questionnaire assessing individual chronotype and two scales about food literacy: one investigating nutritional knowledge (short food literacy questionnaire, SFLQ) and the other focussing on procedural skills (self-perceived food literacy scale, SPFL). Associations between food literacy, consumer profiling and purchase behaviour were analysed with linear regression models.

Findings

Participants with specific education in nutrition reported higher scores in food literacy. The final score of food literacy was predicted by a greater attention to nutritional content and nutritional properties of products. Women paid more attention to nutritional properties than men, and they obtained higher scores in SFLQ. Evening types obtained lower scores in SFPL compared to intermediate and morning chronotypes. Body mass index (BMI) was negatively correlated to SPFL score, while it was associated with the easy availability of a product, so that obese (BMI ≥ 30) subjects considered the easy availability of a product more important compared to non-obese ones (BMI < 30).

Originality/value

This study investigates the influence of personal and psychometric variables of consumer profiling on food literacy and consequently on purchase behaviour, paving the way for implementing healthier food consumption policies. These findings reinforce the primacy of specific education in building healthy eating habits.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 123 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1998

Roger Neale and Kristina Langnäse

The study reports on a small‐scale survey of teenagers’ preferences for a selection of pre‐prepared foods sold by the school cash cafeteria, nutritional knowledge towards fat…

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Abstract

The study reports on a small‐scale survey of teenagers’ preferences for a selection of pre‐prepared foods sold by the school cash cafeteria, nutritional knowledge towards fat, attitudes to nutritional labelling of school food and their intended change in eating behaviour prompted by nutritional labelling. Results suggest that the provision of simple nutritional labelling information on school meals in cash cafeterias in secondary schools could have a positive influence on children’s choices of fat in school food and be a valuable educational resource to help in the long‐term aim of reducing fat consumption for the whole UK population.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 100 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 December 2021

Leyla Ozgen, Mehmet Güllü and Elif Esra Ozturk

The aim of this study is to develop a knowledge scale for nutrients of tropical and traditional fruits for university students and conduct its validity and reliability. Another…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to develop a knowledge scale for nutrients of tropical and traditional fruits for university students and conduct its validity and reliability. Another purpose of the study is to determine whether or not the students' knowledge mean scores about nutrients of tropical and traditional fruits vary based on their demographic information.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of the study was the survey model. While the population consisted of 1,551 students studying in the faculty of health sciences, Gazi University, the sample consisted of 668 students who were determined based on criterion sampling.

Findings

When examining in terms of gender of the students, it was determined that even though mean score of the knowledge scale for nutritional values of tropical and traditional fruits was slightly higher in female students (X¯ = 8.12) than male students (X¯ = 7.71), there was an insignificant difference between them (t(666) = 1.25, p > 0.05). A significant difference was determined between the students' knowledge mean scores of the knowledge scale for nutritional values of tropical and traditional fruits in terms of residence place (t(666) = 2.86, p < 0.5). While the nutritional value mean score of the students residing in Ankara was low (X¯ = 7.67), the nutritional value mean score of the students residing out of Ankara was high (X¯ = 8.58).

Originality/value

When the scale developed in this study is analysed according to demographic information, it can be asserted that the students had knowledge about the nutrients of tropical and traditional fruits. Although tropical fruits are expensive, they still prefer these fruits. It can be stated that the students had knowledge about the diversity, nutritional compounds and antioxidant content of tropical and traditional fruits.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 124 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1997

Robert Abbott

Reports the results of a survey which was conducted of 400 self‐selecting UK subjects to assess understanding of nutritional terms and concepts. Analyses the results with respect…

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Abstract

Reports the results of a survey which was conducted of 400 self‐selecting UK subjects to assess understanding of nutritional terms and concepts. Analyses the results with respect to demographic criteria and finds good overall understanding, but there are some surprising misconceptions and a lack of understanding of recently introduced concepts. States that comprehension was clearly related to familiarity with the terminology employed. Nutritional myths and misconceptions were not widely held, although there were some discrepancies between expert and lay understanding (e.g. cholesterol popularly perceived as a type of saturated fat, and evening primrose oil as a vitamin). Despite some deficiencies in understanding, claims use of food label information in making purchasing decisions was extensive. Examines sources of background knowledge of food and nutrition, and of current fads and scare stories, and presents the results. Studies of nutritional understanding are seen as part of the wider domain of the public understanding of science.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 99 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

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