Innovative food products in the eyes of Polish young consumers

Abstract

This article discusses the acceptance of innovative food products – i.e. new and unconventional products that have not been widely consumed so far. The aim of the article is to determine the level of acceptance of innovative food products by young Poles. We put a thesis that innovative food products are not readily accepted and that consumers do not perceive them as worth more than typical food products. Thus, food products are difficult to be subjected to major innovations. The research methodology was based on the literature review summarizing scholarly literature on the chosen research topic, a questionnaire survey, comparative analysis and logical construction research methods. This study is essential from at least two perspectives: 1) acceptance of novelties is important for the authorities shaping social policies regarding sustainable development and food security; 2) understanding the customers is important for food industry companies that want to introduce new products to the market. Food preferences are often tied to cultural traditions, which can make it difficult for new or unfamiliar foods to gain traction. This is confirmed by the results of the study elaborated in the article: the approach of respondents to innovative food products is ambiguous - they agree that such products are beneficial for people and the Earth's resources, but not always they are ready to use them themselves. The research also shows that innovative products would not be accepted immediately and consumers would need time to get used to them. Therefore, the authorities shaping social policies regarding sustainable development and food security, as well as food producers, should plan educational campaigns explaining the benefits of alternative food sources and innovative food products.