University of California
Agricultura y Recursos Naturales

Posts Tagged: Nutrition

Latino food purchases most influenced by family, emotional values

While acculturation may have a significant impact on the diet of the millions of Hispanics in the country, data from The Multi-Cultural Latino Consumer study indicates the family experience is still what drives most of the Latino food purchases and choices.

According to the data, though the Latino population in the U.S. is diverse, there are significant commonalities when it comes to food; specifically, Latinos prefer fresh, locally-grown, whole ingredients for their traditional dishes.

Latino food purchases and eating healthy

The results from the new study show that Latinos want to make healthy food choices despite previous data suggesting there are a number of barriers standing in the way. Access to fresh produce and meat, cost and general knowledge regarding healthy choices have all previously been cited as hurdles Latinos face when it comes to eating healthy.

An earlier study in 2013 published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine looked at the effects of poverty on the Latino diet. The research sought to showcase how poverty generally led to a diet full of calorie-dense, low-cost processed food. Diets of this nature have been linked to a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, which disproportionately affect the Latino community.

What experts found, however, was that once educated on where and how to find whole and organic foods, Latinos—regardless of income—were more likely to make healthy choices. The findings were consistent even among Spanish-speaking Latinos, suggesting that it was mainly nutrition education which stood between Latinos and a healthier diet.

But while nutritionally-educated Latinos will make healthy food choices, the missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to reaching Latinos about food choices is the family connection. Healthy eating is important, but only if it can be done in a way which still promotes the close relationship typical of the Latino family.

Other findings in The Multi-Cultural Latino Consumer study on Latino food purchases included:

  • Latinos are less likely than others to eat alone (38 percent to 47 percent).
  • 32 percent of Latinos believe having a family meal is important, compared to 22 percent of non-Latinos.
  • Latinos see dining out as a way of enjoying other ethnic cuisine.
  • Latinos are more likely to dine out compared to non-Latinos.
  • 82 percent of Latinos chose fresh foods over packaged foods.
  • 63 percent of Latinos consume organic foods.
  • 63 percent of Latinos eat meals influenced by their Latin country of origin.

Source: Published originally on Saludify.com as Latino food purchases most influenced by family, emotional values by Hope Gillette, August 5, 2013.

Posted on Monday, September 23, 2013 at 8:50 AM
  • Author: Saludify.com

Hispanics are more likely to consume protein

While U.S. Hispanics and non-Hispanics consume foods high in protein, Hispanics consume chicken, legumes, eggs, and fish/seafood more frequently than non-Hispanics, finds The NPD Group. From a trend perspective, these foods have maintained a similar level of importance among Hispanics compared to five years ago, except for legumes that have declined somewhat, according to NPD’s National Eating Trends Hispanic research. Among both English- and Spanish-dominant U.S. Hispanics, tradition and heritage are among the factors that drive meal time choices including sources of protein.

Foods and beverages served in U.S. Hispanic households are the result of centuries of family tradition and national cuisine carried from origins in Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and other Spanish-speaking countries in the Caribbean and Central/Latin/South America. Chicken (pollo) and beans (frijoles) are proteins that U.S. Hispanics say are among the top foods that most reflect their Hispanic heritage. Chicken is the top main dish food included in U.S. Hispanics’ in-home dinner meals and is included in more afternoon meals compared to those of non-Hispanics.

Although U.S. Hispanics have unique preferences in protein, they do consume beef and yogurt at a similar rate as non-Hispanics. Compared to five years ago, beef consumption has declined in importance among Hispanics while yogurt has grown. Protein foods that Hispanics consume less frequently than non-Hispanics include cheese, nuts/seeds, peanut butter and turkey.

Source: Originally published on HispanicAd.com as Hispanics are More Likely to source Protein Based on Meal Traditions, April 22, 2013.

Posted on Monday, July 1, 2013 at 9:28 AM
  • Author: HispanicAd.com

Color marketing strategy could help Hispanics make healthier choices

According to researchers, people from minority groups, lower socioeconomic standings or low levels of education don’t always understand the complex ingredient labeling currently used on food products. By using colored food labels, knowing nutritional value could be as easy as recognizing a color.

Target marketing has brought about evidence suggesting colored food labels and strategic positioning in display cases may help consumers make healthier choices. In a report from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, evidence suggests people from all racial and ethnic groups respond to such marketing strategies.

Encouraging healthy eating habits is of particular concern for Hispanics and non-Hispanic blacks, say study authors.

“These findings are important because obesity is much more common among Americans who are black or Latino and among those of low socioeconomic status,” said to Science Codex Douglas Levy, PhD, of the Mongan Institute for Health Policy at MGH. “Improving food choices in these groups may help reduce their obesity levels and improve population health.”

The study was developed to help recognize healthy food choices among the many available at grocery shops and cafeterias. According to MGH researchers, people from lower socioeconomic standings or low levels of education don’t always understand the complex ingredient labeling currently used on food products. By using colored food labels, knowing nutritional value could be as easy as recognizing a color.

To test the theory, study authors devised a two-step approach for the research. During the first trial, green, yellow and red labels were attached to the food items in a hospital cafeteria. Green represented the healthiest options; yellow represented moderately healthy items; and red represented the least healthy choices.

After three months of using the colored labels, MGH researchers rearranged where popular items in the cafeteria were displayed. For example, health beverages with a green label were placed at eye level in display units, while drinks with red or yellow labels were placed below eye level. Eventually, the same process was done with all food items in the cafeteria.

Once the labeling and arrangement process was complete, more than 4,000 hospital employees purchasing lunch through a payroll deduction program were analyzed. Researchers kept track of purchases, racial and ethnic background, and job position.

From what study authors saw at the beginning of the study, Latinos and non-Hispanic blacks purchased more items with red labels than they did those with green labels; however, at the end of the intervention process, all participants had increased the number of green label purchases and had lowered their daily spending overall.

“Further study is needed to determine the long-term effect of these interventions and whether additional steps could improve their effectiveness in particularly vulnerable populations,” said Levy. “But because these measures are both simple and inexpensive to implement, they could easily be tried in a variety of food sales environments – such as cafeterias, convenience stories and even vending machines.”

Source: Published originally on VOXXI.com as Color Marketing Strategy Could Help Hispanics Make Healthier Choices,August 13, 2012

Posted on Monday, June 24, 2013 at 3:49 PM

New Food Trends for Latina families

A new study released by Meredith Hispanic Ventures looks at identifying the shopping, cooking, and eating habits of the modern Latina family.

Since Hispanics currently represent 16 percent of the total U.S. population, have a predominately larger household, and spend more money on groceries than non-Hispanic households, it is critical that marketers understand the role that food plays in the lives of Latinas. In order to gain deeper insight into the changing food consumption behaviors in the Latina marketplace, the research department at Hispanic Ventures tapped into their “Entre Nosotras” (“Between Us”) database of 5,000 loyal and influential subscribers to conduct the food trend report.

Among the survey’s findings:

  • Nutrition matters to Latinas, with nearly 4 in 5 respondents reading nutrition labels. Hispanics care about purchasing foods low in fat, high in fiber, and low in sugar; and more than half of respondents buy organic products.

  • Latinas said they are not only shopping the Hispanic aisle – they have eclectic palettes and enjoy cooking a wide variety of foods. These aspiring epicureans want to learn more about global cuisines, and they continue to seek samples and coupons to learn about new products.

  • Similar to the general market, convenience is very important to Latinas. Respondents said they use disposable plates, towels and utensils, and they buy frozen vegetables, canned soups, and protein bars.

  • Latinas are connected online, with nearly half of respondents saying they use a mobile or smart phone to assist them while shopping. The report showed that 55 percent of Latinas who use recipes get them from the internet, and 60 percent search for recipes in Spanish. Smart phones, tablets and computers provide Latinas with the convenience and simplicity they crave.

Source: Published originally on HispanicPRpro as Meredith Hispanic Ventures releases New Food Trends Report, March 14, 2011.

Posted on Monday, April 15, 2013 at 3:43 PM

U.S. Hispanics perceive healthy foods as less tasty

U.S. Hispanics, particularly those foreign-born and Spanish-language dominant, claim to know more about nutrition than most people, but define nutrition in terms of quality as well as quantity, according to The NPD Group, a market research company. Filling and eating everything on-a-plate conveys that a person “eats well” and a nutritious meal was served, which is a symbol of good health among Spanish-language dominant and foreign-born U.S. Hispanics, according to insights shared in a recently released NPD study on U.S. Hispanics’ food and beverage consumption patterns.

U.S. Hispanics’ pride in their cooking, emphasis on traditional flavors and ensuring the food they feed their families is nutritious, shapes perceptions that healthy foods aren’t as tasty or as nutritious, according to NPD’s It's Mealtime with U.S. Hispanic reports. Forty-six percent of Spanish-language dominant Hispanics feel that almost everything that is very good for you doesn’t taste very good. However, proportions change as Hispanics acculturate. For example, 31 percent of bilingual Hispanics and only 11 percent of English dominant Hispanics agree.

“Food and beverages play a central role in the preservation of Hispanic culture and reconnection for family; as a result, Hispanics view mealtime, nutrition, and healthy eating differently than non-Hispanics,” says Terry Soto, president and CEO of About Marketing Solutions, Inc., who consulted with NPD on the development of the It’s Mealtime with U.S. Hispanics report. “Going for seconds is encouraged and welcomed, and conveys that a person ‘eats well’ and has a good appetite, which is a symbol of good health.”

The NPD report, which includes information from NET® Hispanic, a year-long study on the eating behaviors of U.S. Hispanics by level of acculturation, finds that the effect of Hispanics’ attitudes about nutrition and healthy eating are reflected in weight and health issues, particularly among Spanish-dominant U.S. Hispanics.

The researchers indicate that bilingual nutritional information on products and in-store will help, but it’s also important to keep in mind less-acculturated Hispanics’ attitudes that healthy isn’t tasty or in some cases as nutritious.

Source:  NPD Group, U.S. Hispanics Define Nutrition in Terms of Quality and Quantity and Perceive Healthy Foods as Less Tasty, Reports NPD, October 8, 2012.

Posted on Monday, October 8, 2012 at 11:11 AM
  • NDP news release: Myriam Grajales-Hall

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