Factors affecting food choice WILL COME UP Flashcards
How does enjoyment affect food choices
People tend to choose food they enjoy
Flavour, smell, appearance and texture affect a food’s palatability
Humans are generally drawn to sweet or fatty foods
People generally aren’t drawn to bitter foods
How does seasonality affect food choices
Certain UK grown foods are only available at certain times a year eg UK grown courgettes are available between June and September
People worried about the environmental impact of food miles may buy local foods that are in season and avoid imports from around the world
How does cost affect food choices
People choose food based on price, generally they will go for cheaper options unless they think it’s worth paying for better quality
People will go for foods on special offer
Supermarkets will often show a price per gram to help people compare different products
Some people will buy in bulk to get a lower price per gram
It can be cheaper per portion to make your own food than buy ready meals. but it will usually cost more at once to buy all ingredients at once than a single ready meal
How does availability affect food choices
People are more likely to buy and eat foods which are readily available eg people in rural areas may have to shop at a small local store with limited options
However with online shopping on the rise, more and more people in rural areas are able to order online and have supermarkets deliver to them
How does activity level affect food choices
Different people have different activity levels
A person who has an active lifestyle will need to consume 20% more calories than a person with a sedentary lifestyle
Sports people may choose food to help improve their performance eg high protein foods to help build muscle, high carb foods to help with endurance
How do special occasions affect food choices
Special occasions are often celebrated with a large meal eg fattening meals such as turkey roast and suet pudding are served at xmas in UK, far less common at other times of year
Animal welfare affecting food choices
IDK
A concern for many people
People may choose to eat foods where they know the animals have been treated ethically, such as free-range products or they may avoid meat altogether
Working conditions affecting food choices
IDK
Fairtrade products eg bananas are popular with customers who want to make sure farmers in developing countries get a fair price for their produce
Fairtrade products are often slightly more expensive
Environmental impact affecting food choices
IDK
People may prefer to buy British or local produce, or foods that are in season in order to support the local economy and to reduce food miles
Some fish products say whether the fish were caught using sustainable fishing methods, to avoid damaging the ecosystem and stop fish from going extinct
Eating naturally affecting food choices
Some people prefer to eat organic foods - ones that have been produced without synthetic chemicals
Organic foods are grown using natural fertilisers and natural pest control
People may avoid buying genetically modified foods over concerns about unwanted effects on the consumer and environment
Intolerances and allergies affecting food choices
IDK
Some people are intolerant to particular ingredients in food
Eating the food can lead to illness, and cause bloating, vomiting, pains etc
Common intolerances are lactose and gluten
Food allergies may cause serious illness and can be fatal
Most common allergens are nuts, eggs, dairy, wheat, fish and shellfish
It is important that food is properly labelled so that people with allergies know what they can safely eat
What must food labels tell you
IDK
Best before / use by How to store product How to cook product List of ingredients (common allergens bold) Country it comes from The weight of product Product name and what it is Name and address of manufacturer
Effect of marketing
Special offers
IDK
Makes it feel like a bargain eg buy one get one free (BOGOF), 30% off, meal deals
Loyalty card schemes - supermarkets record data about what you’re buying to send offers matched to your buying habits
Effect of marketing
Celebrity or brand endorsement
IDK
Chef’s names can be used to convince you is a quality product
May partner up with big film or TV brands to help target certain age groups
Food companies may sponsor sports eg an energy drink company might sponsor a televised car rally. They’ll pay money to put their name on advertising banners, cars, helmets and benefit by having a wide audience see it
Effect of marketing
Health claims
IDK
Promote food as having health benefits eg high in vit C, 2 of 5 a day
Also companies may market a low fat or low sugar version of existing products
Special products such as gluten-free breads target consumers who have special dietary requirements
