• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.35-52
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• 2023

This study investigated the utilization and satisfaction of lunchboxes according to food-related lifestyle. A sample of 819 adults who regularly purchased lunchboxes were studied. This study can provide basic data for effective menu development. The participants of the study were classified into 4 groups: a 'taste-seeking group', an 'economy-seeking group', 'a convenience-seeking group', and a 'health-seeking group'. The purchase price of lunchboxes was in the range of 3,500 to 4,000 won. The 'health-seeking group' was shown to spend the highest amount on lunchboxes, over 5,100 won. Information about lunchboxes was obtained primarily through convenience stores followed by Internet SNS (p<0.05). Most participants considered nutritional value when purchasing a lunchbox (p<0.001), of which protein, caloric, and sodium content were perceived as important. Moreover, lunchboxes with clean and hygienic aesthetics were preferred amongst the 'health-seeking group' (p<0.01). The 'economy-seeking group' had a higher satisfaction linked with taste (3.66) and quantity (3.60, p<0.001). Furthermore, in terms of the satisfaction with a menu variety the 'health-seeking group' showed the highest satisfaction with a score of 3.76, while the 'convenience-seeking group' ranked the lowest satisfaction with a score of 3.46 (p<0.05). All groups were satisfied with the convenience for purchasing lunchbox (p<0.001). Additionally, most participants preferred white rice (p<0.001) and meat (p<0.01) with cooked by fried and grilled. Lastly, in the content of the lunchbox use in the future, most participants indicated the intent for continuous use (p<0.01) and recommendation to others with the reason for the low price (19.2%) in the 'economy-seeking group', fresh ingredients (16.2%) in the 'convenience-seeking group', and nutritive (17.3%) in the 'health-seeking group', as well as for the convenience of purchase in the overall groups. Taken together, 'taste' and 'convenience' were the most important factors for all groups, while 'nutrition of food' and 'addition of condiments' scored relatively low on the satisfaction in all groups. Therefore, we recommend for the growth of the convenience store lunchbox market, that it is necessary to improve the quality of the lunchbox by developing various menus based on lifestyle group and fortifying nutrition.