US consumers' socioeconomic characteristics and consumption of grain-based foods

Abstract

A survey of US household primary grocery shoppers was used to determine the socioeconomic factors affecting the usage of grain-based foods and the differences in characteristics of consumers who choose nutritious versus less nutritious grain-based foods. Households with less educated or lower income shoppers tend to consume a narrower selection of grain-based foods. Male and lower income shoppers make poorer nutritional choices. Children positively influence purchases of white bread. Females, older shoppers, educated shoppers, and shoppers living in urban areas are heavier users of whole-wheat bread. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.