Danish adolescents like their vegetables fresh rather than frozen or canned.

Abstract

Food choices in adolescence usually track into adulthood and are determinants of health outcome later in life. Efforts to promote vegetables consumption (as marker of healthy eating) have been implemented with limited success. Vegetables on top are perishable and their shelf life extended thanks to canning and freezing. The objective of this paper is to identify the influence that familiarity with and liking of vegetables may play in shaping attitudes towards canned and frozen vegetables among Danish adolescents. Ninety school age adolescents participated (57% girls, 15.7 y SD 1.17y). In this sample, majority of respondents were acquainted with vegetables (90%). Most liked vegetables were carrots, green salad, peas and corn. Lower liking levels were reported for squash, cauliflower and green beans. Most respondents showed a more positive attitude towards fresh vegetables rather than towards canned and frozen. Findings have implications for the provision of information through foodservice operations, and for the design of plant-based dishes and menus.