Food neophobia amongst young Korean adults in their 20s: Its association with preference, acceptance, and perceived intake of fruits and vegetables

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate whether FN (food neophobia) persistence into adulthood could be associated with preference, acceptance, and perceived daily intake of FV (fruits and vegetables) among young Korean adults in their 20s, along with exploring the moderating role of the frequency of FV consumption during childhood. An online survey was conducted from February 19 to 24, 2020 with 1277 young Korean adults (men: 570, women: 707). Hierarchical multiple regressions were performed to examine the associations between FN and FV preference and acceptance. Multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to explore the association of FN with perceived daily intake of FV. Generally, the study results showed that FN had a significant negative association with preference, acceptance, and perceived daily intake of FV among young Korean adults in their 20s. These negative associations seemed more pronounced with vegetables than with fruits. In addition, the results revealed that the frequency of FV consumption in childhood was likely to have a significant positive association with preference, acceptance, and perceived daily intake of FV later in young adulthood. Overall, the current study implies that more timely interventional efforts to improve FN are required to promote FV consumption in early adulthood and beyond. It may contribute to the development of dietary interventions or policy measures to promote FV consumption among young Korean adults and further serve as a reference for future studies on adult FN.