Pulse consumption of Australian adolescents: characteristics and consumption patterns in a national survey

Increased consumption of pulses can support healthy and sustainable diets; however, consumption of pulses in Western populations is low. Adolescents are an often overlooked yet important target group as they develop attitudes and behaviours that influence food choices into adulthood. To understand patterns of consumption, this study aimed to analyse characteristics and consumption patterns of Australian adolescents who consume pulses. Secondary analysis of the Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey data from 2011-2012 was carried out to identify adolescent (12-17 years, n 1007, nationally representative of n 101 130) pulse consumers, compare their nutritional and demographic characteristics with non-consumers and describe frequency, types and amounts of pulses consumed. Consumption of pulses amongst adolescents is low, with only 6 % of adolescents (48 % males) reporting consumption of pulses. Pulse consumption was associated with healthier weight and diet characteristics. After adjusting for age, sex and socio-economic index, overweight or obese adolescents were less likely to consume pulses than adolescents of a healthy weight or underweight (OR = 0·82; 95 % CI 0·69, 0·99; P = 0·043). Adolescent pulse consumers reported consuming more vegetables, dietary fibre and Fe and less discretionary foods, saturated fat and added sugars than non-consumers. Baked beans were the most commonly consumed type of pulses, followed by pulses as an ingredient in a vegetarian meal such as dahl. Future strategies are recommended to promote the consumption of pulses amongst adolescents due to the low consumption level, with consideration of familiar and appealing dishes to support adolescents in achieving healthier and sustainable diets.