'Do I really have to eat that?': A qualitative study of schoolchildren's food choices and preferences

Abstract

This study, conducted in 1994, set out to explore food preferences, eating behaviour and food choice with Primary 7 children (mean age 11 years) in a small primary school in Edinburgh. A qualitative methodological approach was adopted, utilising focus groups and observational techniques. Analysis of the data indicated food choice was not determined by the health attributes of food but rather that values of preference, play, socialisation and convenience were given a higher priority than health by the children when making food choices. 'Healthy' foods were found to be associated with the concept of a proper meal and homemade foods. A different classification of foods based on like and dislike was proposed to explain children's food choice.