About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Star-shaped Bread Could Encourage Healthy Eating Among Young Children

by Colleen Fleiss on May 27, 2018 at 9:18 PM
Star-shaped Bread Could Encourage Healthy Eating Among Young Children

Focusing on taste and product attractiveness might help children and their parents make healthier food choices. Star-shaped bread was found to be popular with young children and could help them make healthy food choices, finds research presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity in Vienna, Austria.

The study is by Dr Marlies Wallner and Bianca Fuchs-Neuhold, Health Perception Lab, Institute of Dietetics and Nutrition, FH JOANNEUM University of Applied Sciences, Bad Gleichenberg, Austria, and colleagues. Therefore, in this study, a visually attractive whole-grain bread was developed based on published health recommendations for salt and fibre, and then children evaluated the bread based on its shape, symmetry and colour.

Advertisement


In the study, 38 children, aged 6-10 years, tested different types of the bread which differed in shape, colour, symmetry and taste. Data were generated via eye-tracking (Tobii® X2-60 Eye-Tracker), preference and acceptance testing. With eye-tracking it is possibly to gain information on 'gazing' behaviour. Spots with high interest, positively or negatively, will reach more attention compared to other areas. This data from areas of interest are quantitative and can be combined with data from acceptance testing.

The liking was measured on a scale from 1 (best) to 5 (worst) and was significantly higher for the pictures with the star-shaped versions (score 1.5) in contrast to the square-shaped versions (score 2.0). The yellow coloured versions of the bread (produced using turmeric) were chosen less often (18%) compared to usual brown bread (82%), also demonstrated by eye-tracking. Although 45% of children said they preferred white bread and 53% don't eat whole-grain bread regularly, the acceptance of the star-shaped bread was high: 76% rated the bread good or very good. The authors conclude: "Our study showed the children appeared to prefer natural brown bread colours rather than the bread coloured yellow using turmeric. We conclude that based on these results, children like an attractive child-oriented bread style, in this case a star-shape. Modifying healthy everyday foods in this manner to make them more attractive to children could help children make healthier food choices."
Advertisement

They add: "Our study group's main interest is in food preferences in children. Colour and shape are important factors in product development. Furthermore, we are collecting data in a pan-European study to find out which kind of texture is liked most among European children in 6 different countries."

Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Diet & Nutrition News

Are Your Omega-3 Fish Oil Pills Healthy or Harmful?
Flavored omega-3 fatty acid supplements can conceal its rancidity, lowering its health benefits and obscuring health hazards.
The Coffee Alkaloid That Rewires Your Brain
Alkaloid extracted from coffee proves its mettle in enhancing cognitive abilities and counteracting age-related cognitive decline.
Therapeutic Effects of Ginger in Autoimmune Diseases
Fresh findings bolster the case for utilizing ginger supplements in the management of autoimmune disorders.
The Surprising Link Between Food and Mood
Study establishes a connection between an increased risk of depression and the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Unhealthy Snacking May Raise Risk of Metabolic Diseases
By replacing healthy meals with unhealthy snacks, one-fourth of people counteract the benefits of wholesome meals, increasing their risk of metabolic disorders.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Star-shaped Bread Could Encourage Healthy Eating Among Young Children Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests