Topic Editors

Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Turin, Italy
Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy

Recent Advances in Consumers’ Preferences and Behavior toward Healthy and Functional Foods

Abstract submission deadline
closed (31 January 2023)
Manuscript submission deadline
closed (31 March 2023)
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45704

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades, diet-related diseases have gained attention among institutions and researchers since they represent a severe problem for human health and a cost for national health systems. Since a more balanced diet based on the selection and choice of healthier foods can help to reduce the disease, the European Union promoted the health benefits of functional foods by providing specific regulations to govern the adoption of nutrition and health claims on the label (Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 and Regulation (EU) No 432/2012). These labels represent a means to guide consumers toward an informed choice of products, thus providing a fair, competitive environment among food industries. Consequently, it becomes more and more important to inform consumers about the irreplaceable role of functional food consumption. Due to their bioactive compounds and micronutrients, such as polyphenols, vitamins, fibers, omega 3 fatty acids, etc., they produce positive physiological effects on human health, enhancing the metabolic functions of the organism. With the aim to provide safer food and ensure higher sensory and nutritional quality standards, the agro-food industry is called to develop more innovative food products. Therefore, it is of great interest to further explore how lifestyle, social, and psychological drivers move consumers and influence their choice toward these products. Within this context, the aim of this Topic is to collect valuable contributions related to the following topics:

  • Healthy and functional food consumption;
  • Consumers’ interests toward functional food components;
  • Effectiveness of claims in consumers’ choices;
  • Drivers of healthy and functional food consumption.

We are grateful for the support of the PhD Student Raffaele Zanchini who contributed to the formulation and development of the topic proposal.

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Antonio Di Vita
Prof. Dr. Gioacchino Pappalardo
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • nutrition claims
  • health claims
  • consumer behavior
  • consumer segmentation
  • drivers of consumption
  • willingness to pay
  • consumer acceptability
  • lifestyle
  • psychological drivers
  • nutritional properties
  • socio demographic drivers
  • symmetry information
  • fortified food
  • eating habits

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Beverages
beverages
3.0 6.1 2015 20.6 Days CHF 1600
Dietetics
dietetics
- - 2022 24.9 Days CHF 1000
Foods
foods
4.7 7.4 2012 14.3 Days CHF 2900
Nutrients
nutrients
4.8 9.2 2009 17.5 Days CHF 2900
Sustainability
sustainability
3.3 6.8 2009 20 Days CHF 2400

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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30 pages, 411 KiB  
Review
The Relationship of Fruits and Fruit-Products Consumption with Glucose Homeostasis and Diabetes: A Comprehensive Update on the Current Clinical Literature
by Ines Ellouze, Neda Akhavan, Saiful Singar, Kallie Dawkins, Ravinder Nagpal and Bahram Arjmandi
Dietetics 2023, 2(3), 237-266; https://doi.org/10.3390/dietetics2030018 - 20 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5453
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. This disease often leads to poor health outcomes, such as neuropathy and diabetic foot ulcers, and increased risk for comorbidities such as cardiovascular complications and renal disease. Lifestyle modifications including [...] Read more.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. This disease often leads to poor health outcomes, such as neuropathy and diabetic foot ulcers, and increased risk for comorbidities such as cardiovascular complications and renal disease. Lifestyle modifications including diet and physical activity interventions are often explored as prevention and management strategies for T2DM. It is well established that fruits are a rich source of fiber and a variety of phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that can help optimize human health. Unfortunately, many experts associate the consumption of fruit with a moderate to high glycemic index (GI), which leads to a spike in blood glucose and eventually elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The purpose of this comprehensive review is to outline the current clinical literature on the relationship between fruit consumption and various indices of glucose metabolism. A variety of fruits have been clinically studied to determine this relationship, namely in the fresh form (e.g., berries, apples, watermelon, cherries, mangoes), dried fruits (raisins and dates), and juices (derived from cranberry, orange, grape, cherry, and pomegranate). Overall, intake of fruits and fruit-derived products is beneficial for healthy subjects and subjects with T2DM regarding their impact on glucose metabolism and other cardiometabolic markers (e.g., inflammatory responses, lipid profiles). Nonetheless, it is more advisable for diabetic patients to consume fresh or dried fruits rather than fruit-derived products. A special consideration needs to be attributed to both the amount of fruit intake with regards to their respective GI and glycemic load (GL), and when these fruits are consumed. Trials with more a comprehensive design and specific outcomes are required to reveal the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of fruit consumption on the T2DM population particularly. Full article
17 pages, 745 KiB  
Article
What Is the Value of a “Mountain Product” Claim? A Ranking Conjoint Experiment on Goat’s Milk Yoghurt
by Raffaele Zanchini, Giuseppe Di Vita, Luca Panzone and Filippo Brun
Foods 2023, 12(10), 2059; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12102059 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1648
Abstract
Rural development is complex in marginal and disadvantaged areas, such as mountains, which impose high labour costs and restrict farmers in their choices of crop and livestock. To recognise this problem, the European Union regulates the use of the optional quality term “ [...] Read more.
Rural development is complex in marginal and disadvantaged areas, such as mountains, which impose high labour costs and restrict farmers in their choices of crop and livestock. To recognise this problem, the European Union regulates the use of the optional quality term “Mountain product” on the label. Consumers may recognise this label and be more willing to pay for it, resulting in higher revenues for producers using it. This study estimates the willingness to pay (WTP) for a mountain quality label. This WTP is then compared to that of functional and nutrition claims. For this purpose, we used a ranking conjoint experiment, using goat’s milk yoghurt—a typical mountain product—as a case study. Using a rank-ordered logit, we show that mountain quality labels generate a significant WTP, higher than that of functional claims. WTP differs by the demographic profile of the consumer. The study provided useful insights about the combination of the mountain quality label with different attributes. However, future studies are needed to adequately understand the potential of mountain certification as a supporting tool for farmers in marginal areas and for rural development. Full article
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15 pages, 2803 KiB  
Article
Exploring Consumers’ Preferences and Attitudes to Honey: Generation Approach in Slovakia
by Peter Šedík, Martina Hudecová and Kristína Predanócyová
Foods 2023, 12(10), 1941; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12101941 - 10 May 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2687
Abstract
Honey is popular among consumers for its composition and healing properties. The aim of the paper is to study the differences in honey preferences across various age generations in Slovakia. The study is based on primary data obtained by conducting an online questionnaire [...] Read more.
Honey is popular among consumers for its composition and healing properties. The aim of the paper is to study the differences in honey preferences across various age generations in Slovakia. The study is based on primary data obtained by conducting an online questionnaire survey on a sample of 1850 Slovak consumers of honey in 2022. Multiple correspondence analyses and non-parametric tests were applied to study the differences in preferences across selected age cohorts (Generation Z, Generation Y, Generation X and Silver Generation). The results show that Silver Generation tends to consume honey due to its nutritional values and prefers to consume monofloral honey of a dark colour, while Generation Z does not use honey in cosmetics or consume it due to its nutritional values and are inclined to prefer polyfloral honey. The utilisation of honey in cosmetics was associated mostly with Generation X. Younger consumers (Generation Z and Generation Y) have a very low awareness of creamed honey and honey with additions in comparison to Silver Generation or Generation X. In addition, the results reveal that propolis, royal jelly and bee pollen were the most attractive additions for honey across all age cohorts in Slovakia, while spirulina and chilli were the least attractive additions. Full article
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17 pages, 3992 KiB  
Article
Consumer Preferences for Craft Beer by Means of Artificial Intelligence: Are Italian Producers Doing Well?
by Vittoria Pilone, Alessandro Di Pasquale and Antonio Stasi
Beverages 2023, 9(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages9010026 - 13 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3337
Abstract
To identify the key drivers of consumption, we analyzed consumer preferences and estimated the willingness to pay for craft beer compared with industrial products in Italy. For this purpose, we conducted an ad hoc survey of 469 craft beer drinkers and set up [...] Read more.
To identify the key drivers of consumption, we analyzed consumer preferences and estimated the willingness to pay for craft beer compared with industrial products in Italy. For this purpose, we conducted an ad hoc survey of 469 craft beer drinkers and set up an econometric strategy using a machine learning estimation technique. The main results show that young consumers, the ability to perceive and evaluate quality, and the frequency of consumption are the main profile elements that, more than others, orient preferences. In the meantime, sustaining local beer producers, sharing good time with friends, and the perception of beer as healthier compared with other drinks are also important. The most preferable product attributes are can packaging and the search for unique taste. Full article
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14 pages, 466 KiB  
Article
Optimizing the Relationship between Regulation and Innovation in Dietary Supplements: A Case Study of Food with Function Claims in Japan
by Keigo Sato, Kota Kodama and Shintaro Sengoku
Nutrients 2023, 15(2), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020476 - 16 Jan 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6114
Abstract
Regulation has long been a counterpart of innovation in the health care industry, and recent cases have demonstrated that appropriately designed regulations can both coexist with and promote innovation. This study is the first study to explore how the regulatory environment affected the [...] Read more.
Regulation has long been a counterpart of innovation in the health care industry, and recent cases have demonstrated that appropriately designed regulations can both coexist with and promote innovation. This study is the first study to explore how the regulatory environment affected the innovation process during the transition of the regulations for functional foods in Japan by examining quantitatively the impact of the foods with function claims (FFC) system on industry, companies, and products. Based on a dataset of Japanese dietary supplement manufacturing companies (n = 169) and their products (n = 731) in 2019, we found that companies that have newly entered the FFC system are smaller in scale than existing companies (p < 0.01, Wilcoxon rank sum test). We also found that companies with FFC products have larger revenue growth (p = 0.01). A multiple regression analysis revealed that FFC product sales increased with in-house clinical testing (coefficient: 26.8, p < 0.0001), diverse active ingredients (coefficient: 7.6, p < 0.001), and the claim of new functions (coefficient: 10.2, p < 0.05). These results suggested that the FFC system facilitated the market entry of small and mid-size enterprises and promoted the creation of high-value products through innovative company efforts. Full article
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14 pages, 836 KiB  
Article
Socioeconomic Characteristics, Purchasing Preferences and Willingness to Consume Organic Food: A Cross-Location Comparison of Nine Cities in Central Ecuador
by Carlos Moreno-Miranda, Christian Franco-Crespo, Isabel Pachucho, Karla Uño, Ana Gordillo and Jacqueline Ortiz
Foods 2022, 11(24), 3979; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11243979 - 8 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2259
Abstract
Agriculture worldwide faces the need to reduce chemical pesticides and produce healthier food. In Latin America, research on the organic food sector primarily focuses on supply. Consumption analysis is crucial for providing information about customers’ needs. This paper aims to analyze the Ecuadorian [...] Read more.
Agriculture worldwide faces the need to reduce chemical pesticides and produce healthier food. In Latin America, research on the organic food sector primarily focuses on supply. Consumption analysis is crucial for providing information about customers’ needs. This paper aims to analyze the Ecuadorian organic food sector, which is an interesting case for investigating the relationship between willingness to consume organic food and socioeconomic factors. To this end, 382 consumers were surveyed. The study applied a logit regression analysis to assess the role of socioeconomic factors in the willingness to consume organic food. Radar diagrams depict the percentage of respondents who checked a particular reason for choosing or refusing organic food. A cross-location comparison analysis was applied to identify differences between locations within the Central Ecuador region. Results reveal that Ecuadorian consumers’ awareness rate of organic food is only 53.5%. Regarding organic food’s price, 24% of consumers perceive it to be overly expensive. Based on strengthening the supervision of organic food production, various channels should be used to promote organic food consumption and facilitate the recognition of available organic food. Full article
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25 pages, 1800 KiB  
Article
Consumers’ Intention to Purchase Functional Non-Dairy Milk and Gender-Based Market Segmentation
by Teerapong Pienwisetkaew, Peerapong Wongthahan, Phaninee Naruetharadhol, Sasichakorn Wongsaichia, Chonnipa Vonganunsuntree, Siraphat Padthar, Santi Nee, Ping He and Chavis Ketkaew
Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 11957; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141911957 - 22 Sep 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4855
Abstract
The increasing awareness of the benefits of functional non-dairy milk has been growing significantly due to the increasing recognition of the benefits of functional foods. Functional non-dairy milk provides a valuable alternative for lactose-intolerant people with other dietary restrictions preventing them from consuming [...] Read more.
The increasing awareness of the benefits of functional non-dairy milk has been growing significantly due to the increasing recognition of the benefits of functional foods. Functional non-dairy milk provides a valuable alternative for lactose-intolerant people with other dietary restrictions preventing them from consuming dairy milk. However, some evidence suggests that not all consumers benefit equally from food. Previous research indicated that women more often purchase foods that are perceived to be healthy, while men are more likely to purchase foods that are perceived to be hedonistic. Thus, this study aimed to examine the significant relationships among factors influencing functional non-dairy milk purchase intention based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and to identify behavioral differences between men and women. We conducted a quantitative study using structured questionnaires and with 413 valid respondents that consume functional non-dairy milk in six regions of Thailand. Further, we used a multi-group structural equation modeling approach to explore and compare consumers’ intentions across genders. The results showed that trust and health consciousness positively influence an individual’s perceived behavioral control and then directly affect their attitude and purchase intention of functional non-dairy milk products. Additionally, the multi-group analysis proposed that men and women consumers significantly differ in their requirements for enjoyable experiences while consuming functional non-dairy milk. More specifically, hedonic eating value has a greater impact on men’s attitudes than women’s attitudes. This study deepens our understanding of the functional non-dairy milk industry in Thailand in terms of market segments based on gender. Full article
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14 pages, 858 KiB  
Article
Perceptions and Liking Distortion from Information about the Nutritional Upgrades in Biofortified Seafood Products
by Greta Castellini, Fosca Vezzulli, Milena Lambri, Gabriele Sacchettini, Guendalina Graffigna, António Marques and Ettore Capri
Foods 2022, 11(18), 2808; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11182808 - 12 Sep 2022
Viewed by 1660
Abstract
(1) Background: As biofortified fish meat is becoming increasingly available, the use of supplements within fish feed may impact consumers’ perceptions and their willingness to pay (WTP) for the product. This study focused on evaluating the sensory liking of, and WTP for, fish [...] Read more.
(1) Background: As biofortified fish meat is becoming increasingly available, the use of supplements within fish feed may impact consumers’ perceptions and their willingness to pay (WTP) for the product. This study focused on evaluating the sensory liking of, and WTP for, fish produced with fortified feed while understanding the role played by the acquired information on fish fortification. (2) Methods: Hedonic ratings and WTP were measured in an experimental bid. The participants (n = 91) were asked to rate pleasantness and WTP during two different rounds: (i) appearance–information–tasting and (ii) appearance–tasting–information. A total of three fish species (carp, seabream, and trout) were presented to the consumers as being either fortified (with iodine, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids) or conventional products. (3) Results: For pleasantness, no significant differences were found between the fortified and conventional fish. In contrast, substantial differences emerged when information regarding the products was provided. Providing the relevant information before tasting affected how much the consumers liked the conventional fish, resulting in a preference for it over the fortified fish. Additionally, consumers are willing to pay more for fortified fish, especially when information with respect to fortification is available. Nevertheless, when information about fortification was provided before tasting, the consumer’s expectations were not fulfilled. (4) Conclusions: The outcomes of this study clearly indicate that the presence of relevant information impacts how much people like fortified versus conventional fish, as well as their WTP. Full article
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11 pages, 285 KiB  
Article
Associations between Abnormal Eating Styles and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study among Medical School Students
by Wenhan Jia, Hong Liang, Lining Wang, Ming Sun, Xili Xie, Jie Gao, Linxian Li, Xiao Tang and Yanan Ma
Nutrients 2022, 14(14), 2828; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142828 - 9 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2676
Abstract
(1) Background: Few studies have investigated the association between eating styles and IBS. This study aimed to explore the association between abnormal eating styles and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated students in China Medical University and Shenyang Medical [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Few studies have investigated the association between eating styles and IBS. This study aimed to explore the association between abnormal eating styles and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated students in China Medical University and Shenyang Medical College. Eating styles were evaluated by the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), and IBS was diagnosed according to Rome III criteria. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). (3) Results: A total of 335 students were diagnosed with IBS. Students with the total scores in tertile 2 and 3 had 1.29 times and 2.75 times higher risk of IBS than students with the total scores in tertile 1, respectively. Simultaneously, the risk of IBS in the tertile 3 of external eating, emotional eating, and restraint eating trends was 3.87 times, 2.71 times, and 3.82 times higher than that of tertile 1, respectively. (4) Conclusions: this study showed that a high score in both total eating styles and each eating style was associated with the odds of having IBS and suggested that the psychological factors behind eating styles may play a critical role in controlling the IBS. Full article
9 pages, 710 KiB  
Article
Relationship of Daily Coffee Intake with Vascular Function in Patients with Hypertension
by Takayuki Yamaji, Takahiro Harada, Yu Hashimoto, Yukiko Nakano, Masato Kajikawa, Kenichi Yoshimura, Chikara Goto, Aya Mizobuchi, Shunsuke Tanigawa, Farina Mohamad Yusoff, Shinji Kishimoto, Tatsuya Maruhashi, Ayumu Nakashima and Yukihito Higashi
Nutrients 2022, 14(13), 2719; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14132719 - 29 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 7860
Abstract
We evaluated the relationship of daily coffee intake with endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation and vascular smooth muscle function assessed by nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation in patients with hypertension. A total of 462 patients with hypertension were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. First, we [...] Read more.
We evaluated the relationship of daily coffee intake with endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation and vascular smooth muscle function assessed by nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation in patients with hypertension. A total of 462 patients with hypertension were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. First, we divided the subjects into two groups based on information on daily coffee intake: no coffee group and coffee group. The median coffee intake was two cups per day in the coffee group. There were significant differences in both flow-mediated vasodilation (2.6 ± 2.8% in the no coffee group vs. 3.3 ± 2.9% in the coffee group, p = 0.04) and nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation (9.6 ± 5.5% in the no coffee group vs. 11.3 ± 5.4% in the coffee group, p = 0.02) between the two groups. After adjustment for confounding factors, the odds ratio for endothelial dysfunction (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.32–0.95) and the odds ratio for vascular smooth muscle dysfunction (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.28–0.89) were significantly lower in the coffee group than in the no coffee group. Next, we assessed the relationship of the amount of daily coffee intake with vascular function. Cubic spline curves revealed that patients with hypertension who drank half a cup to 2.5 cups of coffee per day had lower odds ratios for endothelial dysfunction assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation and vascular smooth muscle dysfunction assessed by nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation. Appropriate daily coffee intake might have beneficial effects on endothelial function and vascular smooth muscle function in patients with hypertension. Full article
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21 pages, 1694 KiB  
Article
Consumers’ Preferences for the Traceability Information of Seafood Safety
by Mohammed Ziaul Hoque, Nazmoon Akhter and Mohammad Shafiur Rahman Chowdhury
Foods 2022, 11(12), 1675; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11121675 - 7 Jun 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4115
Abstract
Due to importing food and the perpetual changes from conventional wet markets to supermarkets in emerging markets, consumers have the opportunity to base their buying decisions on traceability systems. Seafood traceability systems involve information on production mode, inspection notes, sustainable sources, and sources [...] Read more.
Due to importing food and the perpetual changes from conventional wet markets to supermarkets in emerging markets, consumers have the opportunity to base their buying decisions on traceability systems. Seafood traceability systems involve information on production mode, inspection notes, sustainable sources, and sources of origin to provide consumer protection and help ensure that all seafood is safe to consume. This study aims to explore seafood markets by assessing the demand for traceability information attributes by utilising data from an experimental survey in an emerging market such as Bangladesh. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and a conditional logit model. The results demonstrate that consumers are concerned regarding vitamins, cholesterol, and preservatives, while they are little concerned about microbiological contamination, pesticide residues, genetic modification, and additives or artificial colours. The difference between the mean willingness to pay (WTP) for traditional and sustainable farmed fish is higher than that between the mean WTP for conventional and sustainable wild fish. In a ranked-choice voting system, the ‘production mode’ and ‘claim of safety control (e.g., being formalin-free)’ were the first and second most influential attributes in fish choices. The outcomes of the econometric model revealed that consumers are more likely to prefer traceability information about fish control (e.g., formalin-free), and they want to pay a price premium for this information. Alternatively, consumers are less likely to prefer farmed and imported fish, and their WTP for these fishes are highly inflated. This finding may be because consumers use wild and local origin as a cue for food safety or quality. This study hopes that the effects of such traceability information will optimise the production process and supply chain and help make seafood recall management more effective. Full article
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