Typology of food preferences identified by Nutri-Food Sort

A Q-sort instrument to measure and identify a typology of food preferences was developed and tested. Sixty-eight pictures of food items were used for the Q-sort called the Nutri-Food Sort. Foods chosen were divided evenly among the following categories: low nutrient/high calorie, low nutrient/low calorie, high nutrient/high calorie, and high nutrient/low calorie. Ninety-seven women sorted the pictures on the basis of preference on a 7-point scale from "like a lot" to "dislike a lot." The results were factor analyzed (Q-type), producing four distinct respondent groups or types. The types were labeled: "finicky eaters," "health-conscious dieters," "diverse diners," and "high-calorie traditionalists." The "finicky eaters" favored only 8 foods and disliked 40. "Health-conscious dieters" preferred low-calorie foods. The "diverse diners" preferred a wide variety of foods and were more adventuresome in their choices. The "high-calorie traditionalists" preferred high-calorie foods and "all-American" favorites. The four food preference categories originally predicted were partially accurate descriptions of the resulting four food preference factor groups. Overall, the Nutri-Food Sort appears to be a versatile instrument that has wide applicability in research on food behaviors, attitudes, and preferences.