Food Preferences in the Population of Ukraine

Abstract

The pilot study of 7 food preferences in the population sample of Ukraine was performed. Sex dimorphism and age associations of food preferences were analyzed. 288 Ukrainian inhabitants (66 males and 222 females) aged from 14 to 72 took part in this pilot. The data was collected during 2004-2007. All participants lived in Ukraine, were Slavs (predominantly Ukrainians and Russians) and were engaged without relatives to avoid traits similarity bias. Food preferences for sweet, meat, fruit, salty food, first vegetable courses, fast food and fatty food were studied by the method of special interviewing. The highest preferences for sweet, fruit and meat were detected among Ukrainian people. The inverse correlation between age and preferences for sweet and fruit among males and for fast food among females was found. More preferences for fruit among females and for first vegetable courses among males were described.