Journal article
The influence of current food and nutrition trends on dietitians' perceptions of the healthiness of packaged food
Public Health Nutrition, Vol.23(12), pp.2124-2131
2020
PMCID: PMC10200427
PMID: 32338245
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of current food and nutrition trends on dietitians' perceptions of the healthiness of packaged foods. DESIGN: This observational study used a cross-sectional survey. Participants rated (strongly disagree to strongly agree) the extent to which a range of factors, independent of the energy, nutrient and ingredient content, influenced their perceptions of the healthiness of packaged foods. Two open-ended questions allowed for participants to list additional items they considered important. SETTING: Online survey. PARTICIPANTS: Australian dietitians (n 117). RESULTS: The greatest consensus was a positive influence of the fit within the core food groups and presence of seasonal ingredients, and a negative influence of an increasing number of additives. Mixed opinions were obtained for GM ingredients, locally sourced ingredients, labelling of animal welfare and organic certification. Nutritional indicators received a split where almost half of participants disagreed/strongly disagreed that they positively influenced their perception of healthiness. Content analysis of open-ended responses (n 53, 45 %) revealed four broad categories as important in considering healthiness: 'a whole food approach', 'marketing and labelling', 'product information' and 'context of diet'. A small number of responses (count of 6, 5 %) reported that packaging, advertising and features such as celebrity endorsement were a negative influence. CONCLUSIONS: Dietitians have a broad concept of the healthiness of packaged foods, which incorporates elements of food safety, wholeness of the ingredients and marketing. Providing unified messages to the consumer can help to build the public perception of dietitians as experts in nutrition advice and counselling.
Details
- Title
- The influence of current food and nutrition trends on dietitians' perceptions of the healthiness of packaged food
- Authors
- Rachael Thurecht (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Health and Sport SciencesFiona Pelly (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Health and Sport SciencesSheri Cooper (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Health and Sport Sciences
- Publication details
- Public Health Nutrition, Vol.23(12), pp.2124-2131
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press
- Date published
- 2020
- DOI
- 10.1017/S1368980019005044
- ISSN
- 1368-9800
- PMID
- 32338245; PMC10200427
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451410502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Nutrition & Dietetics
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
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Source: SDGs from InCites