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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
09:17
Psychophysical Tracking Method to Measure Taste Preferences in Children and Adults
Published on: July 16, 2016
Do children's food preferences align with dietary recommendations?
1School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia. georgie.russell@unilever.com
Public Health Nutrition
|March 27, 2007
Summary
Australian preschoolers prefer sugary, energy-dense foods over vegetables, contrary to dietary guidelines. Sociodemographic factors had minimal impact, indicating a need for interventions to promote healthier eating habits in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric nutrition
- Dietary behavior research
- Public health nutrition
Background:
- Understanding children's food preferences is crucial for developing effective dietary interventions.
- Australian dietary guidelines aim to promote healthy eating habits in children.
- Sociodemographic factors may influence children's food preferences and dietary intake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess how Australian children's food preferences align with national dietary recommendations.
- To investigate the influence of sociodemographic factors on these food preferences.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 371 parents of children aged 2-5 years in Australia.
- Parents reported their child's liking for 176 foods and drinks using a 5-point Likert scale.
- Food preferences were compared against the Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.
Main Results:
- Children showed a strong liking for 'Extra Foods' (non-nutritious) and 'Cereals', but least for 'Vegetables'.
- Preferences were positively associated with sugar and energy density, but not saturated fat, total fat, or sodium.
- Sociodemographic variables explained minimal variation in children's food preferences.
Conclusions:
- Australian preschool children's food preferences partially align with dietary guidelines.
- Interventions are necessary to encourage preferences for nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables.
- Shifting preferences away from high-sugar, energy-dense, non-nutritious foods is a key public health goal.
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