Sensory acceptability, consumption frequency, and factors associated with consumption of fruits and vegetables among low and medium income consumers in Argentina

Abstract

The acceptability, consumption frequency of fruits and vegetables (F&V), and the reasons for consuming these foods were studied. A total of 370 housewives carried out different tests: Sensory Acceptability, Consumption Frequency, Free Listing (FL), and Check All That Apply (CATA). In these tests, the household income (HI) of the housewives was considered. Of the 25 fruits and 27 vegetables included in the acceptability test, more than 40% had average values greater than or equal to 7 for both HI, low income (LI) and middle income (MI). In general, F&V had more mentions in low consumption frequency categories. Only the consumption frequency of three fruits and two vegetables was influenced by HI. The acceptability patterns in both foods do not always correspond to their frequency of consumption. CATA question showed that factors related to habits, practicality and availability, in addition to sensory acceptability, influenced the consumption of these foods in LI and MI populations. Practical applications: The use of questionnaires and CATA methodology permitted to know about F&V consumption in the LI and MI Argentinian population. The information about the reasons for the low consumption of F&V in both incomes sectors could complement data obtained through existing surveys and provide insight to motivate consumption through changes in current consumer promotion campaigns.