Consumer Needs for Well-Being Food Related Information by Sociodemographic Characteristics

인구사회학적 특성에 따른 웰빙식품관련정보의 요구도

Today, consumers need more information of well-being related food with an increase of interests in health. Thus it is important to understand and provide well-being food related information to consumers. This study was performed to investigate consumer needs for well-being food related information. The needs scores (5-point Likert scale) to well-being food related information were high over all. The highest score was observed in 'disease care and diet therapy' (4.05 point). 'Functionality of well-being food' and 'safety and hazard of food' were followed having high scores (individually 4.00, 3.99 point). Female subjects had higher information needs than male subjects for well-being food related information such as 'balance of diet', 'nutrients' and 'recipe of well-being food'. The needs for well-being food related information increased by age, although subjects who were over 50 had a decrease in information needs. There was a significant positive correlation between the majority of well-being food related information and educational level. Information needs were not significantly different by income. Conclusively, well-being food related information should be provided to consumers according to the individual needs and ultimately consumers will improve their efficiency and satisfaction in using well-being food related information.