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Barbu A, Ion VA, Frîncu M, Defta N, Lagunovschi-Luchian V, Bădulescu LA. Organic Vegetable Chips: Exploring Romanian Consumers' Preferences in Relation to Socio-Demographic Factors. Foods 2023; 12:3374. [PMID: 37761083 PMCID: PMC10529703 DOI: 10.3390/foods12183374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, people have become increasingly interested in adopting a healthy diet, which also extends to healthy snacks, such as chips. Understanding the interplay of factors that influence the preference decisions concerning food products is very helpful in market segmentation for identifying specific groups of consumers with similar needs. This study aims to obtain a better understanding of Romanian consumers' preference for organic vegetable chips vs. classic potato chips. The research involved a transversal, cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory, and correlational design. Data were collected based on a questionnaire (1060 participants) and processed with the SPSS 22 program, using the Pearson chi-square test and binary logistic regression as statistical procedures. Significant differences were found regarding the distribution of the respondents who prefer organic vegetable chips vs. classic potato chips based on socio-demographic characteristics. The results of the binary logistic regression analysis (χ2 = 102,906, df = 22, N = 909, p < 0.001) indicate that education level and frequency of consumption have a statistically significant impact on the preference for organic vegetable chips. The obtained results can contribute to a better understanding of Romanian consumers' preferences, acting as a knowledge stage in the adoption of a healthy eating style.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Barbu
- Research Center for Studies of Food Quality and Agricultural Products, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Blvd., 011464 Bucharest, Romania; (A.B.); (M.F.); (L.A.B.)
| | - Violeta Alexandra Ion
- Research Center for Studies of Food Quality and Agricultural Products, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Blvd., 011464 Bucharest, Romania; (A.B.); (M.F.); (L.A.B.)
| | - Mihai Frîncu
- Research Center for Studies of Food Quality and Agricultural Products, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Blvd., 011464 Bucharest, Romania; (A.B.); (M.F.); (L.A.B.)
| | - Nicoleta Defta
- Faculty of Animal Productions Engineering and Management, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Blvd., 011464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Viorica Lagunovschi-Luchian
- Faculty of Horticulture, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Blvd., 011464 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Liliana Aurelia Bădulescu
- Research Center for Studies of Food Quality and Agricultural Products, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Blvd., 011464 Bucharest, Romania; (A.B.); (M.F.); (L.A.B.)
- Faculty of Horticulture, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Blvd., 011464 Bucharest, Romania;
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Elsner F, Matthiessen LE, Średnicka-Tober D, Marx W, O’Neil A, Welch AA, Hayhoe RP, Higgs S, van Vliet M, Morphew-Lu E, Kazimierczak R, Góralska-Walczak R, Kopczyńska K, Steenbuch Krabbe Bruun T, Rosane BP, Gjedsted Bügel S, Strassner C. Identifying Future Study Designs for Mental Health and Social Wellbeing Associated with Diets of a Cohort Living in Eco-Regions: Findings from the INSUM Expert Workshop. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:669. [PMID: 36612999 PMCID: PMC9819394 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Diets influence our mental health and social wellbeing (MHSW) in multiple ways. A rising community concept, Eco-Regions, has gained interest. The research project "Indicators for assessment of health effects of consumption of sustainable, organic school meals in Ecoregions" (INSUM) aims to develop future-oriented research approaches to measure the potential health effects of more sustainable and healthy diets. This first part of the project focuses on MHSW with the goal to identify suitable study designs and indicators. The methodology is based on a 2-day workshop with an interdisciplinary group of experts. This paper describes commonly applied research methods on the nexus between diet and MHSW as presented by the experts and summarises key points from the discussions. The results show that the dominating tool to investigate MSHW is questionnaires. Questionnaires vary largely depending on the research design, such as participants or distribution channels. Cohort studies addressing families and including in-depth interventional and/or experimental studies may be suitable for an Eco-Region investigation. Those MHSW studies can be conducted and combined with measurements of somatic health effects. We conclude that indicators should be seen as complementary rather than independent. Explorative research designs are required to investigate complex Eco-Regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Elsner
- Department of Food, Nutrition, Facilities, FH Münster University of Applied Sciences, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Lea Ellen Matthiessen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Dominika Średnicka-Tober
- Department of Functional and Organic Food, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wolfgang Marx
- Food & Mood Centre, IMPACT—The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Adrienne O’Neil
- Food & Mood Centre, IMPACT—The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Ailsa A. Welch
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norfolk NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Richard Peter Hayhoe
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
| | - Suzanne Higgs
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Marja van Vliet
- Institute for Positive Health, 3521 AL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Renata Kazimierczak
- Department of Functional and Organic Food, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rita Góralska-Walczak
- Department of Functional and Organic Food, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Klaudia Kopczyńska
- Department of Functional and Organic Food, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Beatriz Philippi Rosane
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Susanne Gjedsted Bügel
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Carola Strassner
- Department of Food, Nutrition, Facilities, FH Münster University of Applied Sciences, 48149 Muenster, Germany
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Is Stress Taking the Pleasure out of Food?—A Characterization of the Food Pleasure Profiles, Appetite, and Eating Behaviors of People with Chronic Stress. Foods 2022; 11:foods11131980. [PMID: 35804795 PMCID: PMC9265269 DOI: 10.3390/foods11131980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychological stressors frequently occur in modern society, and are associated with general anhedonic traits (inability to experience pleasure) and altered eating behavior. As eating behavior is largely motivated by a desire for pleasure, the Food Pleasure Scale (FPS) was introduced as a new research tool for investigating aspects of pleasure from food-related experiences. Thereby, insights on whether some aspects of pleasure are more affected by stress than others can be investigated, and can help explain why changes in eating behavior are seen when under the influence of stress. A consumer survey including n = 190 Danish consumers all with moderate or high levels of perceived stress was conducted to explore the perception of pleasure from food, general appetite, meal patterns, as well as specific food preferences. The study showed that the majority found pleasure in the sensory modalities of food, as well as in the ‘comforting’ aspects of food pleasure. Furthermore, the moderately stressed respondents had fewer main meals and more post-dinner snacks and night meals, as compared to before falling ill, whereas the highly stressed group showed signs of anhedonic traits and losing appetite altogether. The present study contributes to our understanding of how a common condition, such as chronic stress, can affect individual, as well as public, health.
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Food pleasure across nations: A comparison of the drivers between Chinese and Danish populations. Food Qual Prefer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2021.104493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Mathiesen S, Moula-Stahli D, Byrne D, Wang Q. Leaving your comfort zone for healthier eating? Situational factors influence the desire to eat comfort food and simulated energy intake. Food Qual Prefer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2022.104605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Peng-Li D, Mathiesen SL, Chan RCK, Byrne DV, Wang QJ. Sounds Healthy: Modelling sound-evoked consumer food choice through visual attention. Appetite 2021; 164:105264. [PMID: 33865905 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Food choice is a multifaceted construct that is not solely guided by our internal incentives. In fact, sensory scientist, consumer psychologists, and marketers have demonstrated that external ambient cues, including background music, can influence myriads of subconscious consumer behaviors, effectively leading to increased sales of food and beverages. However, the vast majority of literature in on this topic has thus far been confined to monocultural field studies in which the underlying mechanisms of food choice are unexplored. We therefore studied the explicit and implicit effects of custom-composed soundtracks on food choices and eye-movements in consumers from both 'East' and 'West'. Firstly, based on the results from a pre-study (N = 396), we composed a 'healthy' and 'unhealthy' soundtrack. Subsequently, we recruited 215 participants from China (n = 114) and Denmark (n = 101) respectively for in an in-laboratory eye-tracking food choice paradigm. For each culture, half of the participants listened to the 'healthy' soundtrack and the other half to the 'unhealthy' soundtrack during the experiment. Chi-square tests of independence revealed that across cultures, the healthy (vs. unhealthy) soundtrack led to more healthy food choices. Similarly, the generalized linear mixed models showed that the healthy soundtrack induced more and longer fixations on healthy (vs. unhealthy) food. Finally, a multiple mediation analysis signified a partial mediation effect of sound on food choice through the mediators of fixation duration, fixation count, and revisit count. Our results indicate that, with strategically chosen soundscapes, it is possible to influence consumers' decision-making processes and guide their attention towards healthier foods, providing valuable knowledge for local as well as global food business.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Peng-Li
- Food Quality Perception & Society Team, iSENSE Lab, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Sino-Danish College (SDC), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Signe L Mathiesen
- Food Quality Perception & Society Team, iSENSE Lab, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Derek V Byrne
- Food Quality Perception & Society Team, iSENSE Lab, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Sino-Danish College (SDC), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Janice Wang
- Food Quality Perception & Society Team, iSENSE Lab, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Sino-Danish College (SDC), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Peng-Li D, Chan RCK, Byrne DV, Wang QJ. The Effects of Ethnically Congruent Music on Eye Movements and Food Choice-A Cross-Cultural Comparison between Danish and Chinese Consumers. Foods 2020; 9:E1109. [PMID: 32806790 PMCID: PMC7466238 DOI: 10.3390/foods9081109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Musical fit refers to the congruence between music and attributes of a food or product in context, which can prime consumer behavior through semantic networks in memory. The vast majority of research on this topic dealing with musical fit in a cultural context has thus far been limited to monocultural groups in field studies, where uncontrolled confounds can potentially influence the study outcome. To overcome these limitations, and in order to explore the effects of ethnically congruent music on visual attention and food choice across cultures, the present study recruited 199 participants from China (n = 98) and Denmark (n = 101) for an in-laboratory food choice paradigm with eye-tracking data collection. For each culture group, the study used a between-subject design with half of the participants listening to only instrumental "Eastern" music and the other half only listening to instrumental "Western" music, while both groups engaged in a food choice task involving "Eastern" and "Western" food. Chi-square tests revealed a clear ethnic congruency effect between music and food choice across culture, whereby Eastern (vs. Western) food was chosen more during the Eastern music condition, and Western (vs. Eastern) food was chosen more in the Western music condition. Furthermore, results from a generalized linear mixed model suggested that Chinese participants fixated more on Western (vs. Eastern) food when Western music was played, whereas Danish participants fixated more on Eastern (vs. Western) food when Eastern music was played. Interestingly, no such priming effects were found when participants listened to music from their own culture, suggesting that music-evoked visual attention may be culturally dependent. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that ambient music can have a significant impact on consumers' explicit and implicit behaviors, while at the same time highlighting the importance of culture-specific sensory marketing applications in the global food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Peng-Li
- Food Quality Perception and Society, iSENSE Lab, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; (D.V.B.); (Q.J.W.)
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Raymond C. K. Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Derek V. Byrne
- Food Quality Perception and Society, iSENSE Lab, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; (D.V.B.); (Q.J.W.)
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qian Janice Wang
- Food Quality Perception and Society, iSENSE Lab, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; (D.V.B.); (Q.J.W.)
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing 100049, China
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