Factors Affecting Consumers Food Choice

Question 1

How does budget affect food choice?

Answer 1

• Processed foods and ready meals may be more affordable and have a longer shelf life
• Processed foods and ready meals be high in fat, salt and sugar to increase appeal and ensure no waste
• Lead to fewer options for special dietary needs, such as vegetariansism
• Ready meals cost less than total cost of ingredients if live alone
• Fresh fruit and veg may be expensive so opt for less healthy, cheap options

Question 2

How does climate affect food choice?

Answer 2

• Cold weather means energy giving and filling foods taht will provide warmth are needed
• Certain foods are eaten at certain times of year
• However technological developments in agriculture and the fact that many foods can be imported can mean that it has less influence of food choice

Question 3

How does lifestyle affect food choice?

Answer 3

• May opt for fast food that are quick and easy, lead to diet high in fat, salt, sugar and develop dietary diseases
• Eating out increased, have play areas for kids so encourages families
• Snacking and grazing is common throughout day instead of eating full meal

Question 4

How does working hours affect food choice?

Answer 4

• Increased commute time means less time to cook meals from scratch
• Shift work can result in eating at irregualr time in day
• Long working hours lead to ready-meals that they can heat at work

Question 5

How does online shopping affect food choice?

Answer 5

• Carried out at home, any time of day and available 24/7, saves time from going to shops
• Delivery options are flexible
• Provides consumers ability to easily compare prices and access wider variety of products

Question 6

How does travel and knowledge affect food choice?

Answer 6

• If people experience different cuisines abraod, may seek out restaurants and specialty food stores that offer international flavour
• Social media enabled people to share food experiences and discover new dishes
• Greater exposure to world cuisines can lead to more diverse and healthy food choice

Question 7

How does religion affect food choice?

Answer 7

• Religious beliefs and practises can rstrict or forbid food items
• Eg, muslims are forbidden from eating pork

Question 8

How does peer pressure affect foods choice?

Answer 8

• People may feel need to confrom to food choices of social group, which may not align with their beliefs
• Media creates social pressure to consume certain foods
• Adolescents often want to eat same as friends, so takeaway may be popular
• Individuals likes and dislikes within family will affect choices available to family members

Question 9

How does personal food preference affect food choice?

Answer 9

• Everyone has own likes and dislikes
• Personal food preference can be influenced by factors like culture, upbringing and exposure to cuisines
• Some people like to try new foods, while others prefer to stick to what they are familiar with

Question 10

How does advertising and media affect food choice?

Answer 10

• Fast foods ise bright, colourful and visually appealing ads to prpmore products
• Celebrity endorsement is popular
• TV, social media, magazines
• May influence consumers to eat too many foods that are high in sugar and fat

Question 11

How does nutritional knowledge affect food choice?

Answer 11

• Consumers with good knowledge of well-balanced diet and nutrients can select foods that contribute towards healthy diet and prevent diseases
• Consumers with little knowledge less likely to select fresh healthy foods