EFFECTS OF INFORMATION ABOUT FAT-CONTENT ON FOOD PREFERENCES IN PREADOLESCENT CHILDREN

The acceptance and sensory characteristics of standard and reduced-fat cookies were evaluated either with or without fat-content information by pre-adolescent children. Results indicate that acceptance ratings were not affected by the fat content or information about fat content when evaluated on nine-point scales. However, when asked to choose whi ch cookie they liked better and to predict how many cookies they would eat (in forced-choice questions), fat content and information about f at content had a significant effect on cookie preference and prospecti ve intake. When no information was available, subjects preferred the c ookie with the higher fat content; when information was presented, sub jects' preference shifted to the reduced-fat cookie. When asked which cookie they would choose to eat for dessert with hypothetical lunches, a similar shift in choice was observed following a low-fat lunch. The low-fat label was also associated with an increase in perceived healt hiness relative to the high-fat label, as indicated on ''good for me'' scales. The effects of fat content information on cookie preference a nd prospective consumption were seen in pre-adolescents who indicated a ''high concern'' for the health consequences of dietary fat. Cookie preference and prospective intake of subjects who indicated a ''low co ncern'' were not affected by fat content labeling. Results suggest tha t fat content and information about fat content may affect food prefer ence and intake in pre-adolescent children. (C) 1998 Academic Press Li mited.