Food preferences and choice among the Polish students

Abstract

The ratings and rankings of some, mainly product-related and consumer-related factors influencing the choice of different groups of food – vegetables, fruit, dairy products, spreads, and frying and baking fats – were evaluated among 448 Polish students. Freshness, taste and health value appeared the most important choice factors in vegetables, fruit, and spreads; freshness, taste and quality in dairy products; freshness, health value and durability in frying and baking fats. Advertising was the least important factor among all factors considered for all groups of products. The significant influences of sex on ratings of choice factors were observed. As a rule, female students scored higher almost all choice factors. The influence of pregnancy on ratings of some choice factors was noticed in dairy products. Pregnant females estimated nutritional value and fat content significantly higher. The rankings of food choice factors among males and females, or pregnant and non-pregnant women, were highly correlated.