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