Factors Affecting Food Choice
By: Gursahib
Food Preferences
Unpopular foods
Pomegranate
Spinach
Broccoli
Popular foods
Fast food and fried food
Fries
Burgers
Things that affect food preferences
Appearance
Texture
Taste
Social and Ethical Concerns
Animal welfare
It is how the animal was treated
when it was alive e.g free-range
hens vs. caged hens
A concern for some people
which affects choice when
buying the food
Environmental Concerns
GMO's (genetically modified organisms/food)
Causes people to choose organic food
due to scientific intervention
Organic is better for you
Balanced Diet
Nutrients
Water
Minerals
Carbohydrates
White rice
White bread
Whole grain bread
Legumes
Protein
Bad sources
Whole-milk products
Fatty red meats
Good sources
Seafood
Fats
Trans fat
Unsaturated
Saturated
Combined with physical activity
Reduce chances to develop diet
related illness
Maintain a healthy weight
Right balance of food
Provides nutrients to stay healthy
Provides energy to stay healthy
Food Advertising
Many ways to advertise due to technology
Newspapers
Magazines
Posters
Radio
Internet
TV
Encourage people to buy specific foods
Social Factors
Affects food choice because of the
setting or people around you
Sporting events
Movies
Parties
School lunches
Family mealtimes
Hunger
(Individual Energy and
Nutrient Needs)
Hunger is the physical need to eat
The amount of energy, carbohydrate, fat, protein,
vitamins and minerals needed are not the same for different age groups and genders
Low activity level
Lower energy requirement
High activity level
Higher energy requirement
Psychological
Has a huge influence on food choice
Body image
Weight or clothing size comparisons
Addictions and mental illness
Does not eat enough
Eat too much
Cravings
Usually ends with fast food
or even healthy food
Emotions
Mood that influences choice
Preference (taste and texture)
Dislike healthy food
Habits
Eat unhealthy
Food Availability
Seasonal foods
Frozen alternatives available
Cheaper when in season
Cost
Cost is a huge factor for
people with low income
Low income
Less choices
Can lead to a unbalanced diet
due to lack of food choice
Buy what is cheap
High income
More choices
Unbalanced diet
Buy a lot more fast food
Religious or Cultural Practices
Religious beliefs play a huge part in food choice for many people, this can limit their options on eating specific foods
Vegan (cannot consume meat or dairy)
Foods that contain nutrients they are
missing (protein, iron, vitamins, etc.)
Fruit
Vegetarian (cannot consume meat)
No restriction (can consume meat)
Nuts
Fruits
Veggies
Meat
Health Concerns
Medical reasons can cause some
people to have to avoid specific foods
Choices
Home cooked meal
Fast food
Diets
Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Food allergens
Peanuts
Soy
Sesame
Wheat
Tree nuts
Fish
Shellfish
Corn
Egg
Dairy
