INFLUENCE OF FORMAL NUTRITION EDUCATION ON PURCHASE AND CONSUMPTION OF PACKAGED SNACKS

Abstract

Consumption of packaged snacks has become a regular habit among youngsters. Heavy advertisements, taste, easy availability, attractive packaging, convenience, decline in snacks prepared at home, changing lifestyle and affordability have driven the consumption of packaged snacks. This study is an attempt to understand the influence of formal nutrition education on purchasing and consumption behaviour among female young adults (N=120). Random sampling technique was used to select the subjects. Purchasing behaviour was analysed in terms of use of food labels and consumption pattern in terms of frequency of consumption of different snacks. Eleven brands of snacks with 216 different variations available in Bangalore market were selected based on availability. Majority of the subjects in both the groups felt that labels were useful to know the different brands, quality, to select a suitable product, understand the product and to avoid expired foods. But there was no significant difference in the purchasing consumption behaviour with respect to packed snacks between the two groups studied.