Cross-Cultural Differences in Food Choice

Abstract

Dietary patterns have evolved and changed throughout history and it is recognized that food intakes (particularly from the perspective of nutrition) vary across different EU member states. However, in the last years many of the factors influencing food choice appear to be moving in the same direction throughout Europe. In recent years there has been increased more concern amongst consumers over some aspects of food consumption, such as diet and health, food safety and the environment. A longitudinal survey of ‘environmental consciousness’ in Germany indicates that the number of consumers who are concerned about the environment increased from 37% in 1982 to 60% in 1991. A further survey compared the attitudes of consumers in eight European countries. The number of environmentally concerned consumers (an assessment based upon their attitudes towards environmental problems) ranged from 30% in France to over 60% in Germany, Sweden and Norway (Oltersdorf 1992). Across Europe, but particularly in the UK, Germany and The Netherlands, these consumer various concerns have led to a rise in the popularity of ‘alternative diets’ such as macrobiotics, vegetarianism, and veganism. Consumers have also become increasingly concerned over the use of innovative technology as method of crop and food production. In recent years there have also been demographic changes in the European Population. For example, a reduction in average number of children and increases in the number of single person households (Eurostat 1993) that could influence the consumption of many food products. In particular, convenience foods and foods directed to children are a growth area. Another common trend across Europe is the aging population (Eurostat 1993) which also represents an important factor influencing food consumption patterns.