Sex and cultural differences in the acceptance of functional foods: a comparison of American, Canadian, and French college students.
OBJECTIVE
Functional foods (FF)--foods containing nutritional supplements in addition to natural nutrients--have an increasing presence in the marketplace. Expanding on previous research, the authors investigated college students' acceptance of FF.


METHODS
In September--March 2004, 811 undergraduates in Canada, the United States, and France participated in the study.


METHODS
A self-administered questionnaire measured students' general food attitudes and beliefs as well as FF-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and purchase intention.


RESULTS
Overall, participants slightly favored FF over traditional foods. However, although most respondents associated FF with positive health benefits, many remained dubious of currently available FF information. In terms of culture and sex, the authors found small but significant divergences in FF knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.


CONCLUSIONS
Stronger labeling and education efforts may increase cross-cultural acceptance of FF by college students.
Kolodinsky
Jane
J
Department of Community Development, University of Vermont's, Burlington, VT 05405, USA. jkolodin@uvm.edu
Labrecque
JoAnne
J
Doyon
Maurice
M
Reynolds
Travis
T
Oble
Frédéric
F
Bellavance
François
F
Marquis
Marie
M
D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000208:ethnology*; D005527:Food, Fortified; D058870:Food, Organic; D005602:France; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult