Alternative Thinking about Starting Points of Obesity: Development of Child Taste Preferences
Loading...
Date
2011-01
Authors
Cornwell, T. Bettina
McAlister, Anna R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Food marketers are at the epicenter of criticism for the unfolding obesity epidemic as
societies consider banning advertising to children and taxing “junk” foods. While
marketing’s role in obesity is not well understood, there is clear evidence that children are
regularly targeted with calorie-dense, nutrient-poor food. Much of the past research seeks to
understand how marketing influences brand preference and child requests. The authors
argue that understanding palate development offers new insights for discussion. Two
studies consider whether a sugar/fat/salt (SFS) palate is linked to children’s knowledge of
food brands, experience with products, and advertising. In study 1, the authors develop a
survey measure of taste preferences and find that a child’s SFS palate (as reported by
parents) relates significantly to children’s self-reported food choices. Study 2 examines
how knowledge of certain branded food and drinks is related to palate. Findings show that
children with detailed mental representations of fast-food and soda brands - developed via
advertising and experience - have higher scores on the SFS palate scale.
Description
50 p.
Keywords
Fast foods, Advertising, Consumer behavior, Public policy, Children -- Nutrition, Preschool, Obesity, Convenience foods
Citation
Cornwell, T. B., & McAlister, A. R., Alternative Thinking about Starting Points of Obesity: Development of Child Taste Preferences, Appetite (2010), doi:10.1016/j.appet.2011.01.010