Correlates of food consumption and perceptions of foods in an educated urban population in Ukraine

Taste, health and cost perceptions, and frequency of consumption of 34 food items, characteristic of the Ukrainian diet and representing the major food groups, were examined in 919 educated urban Ukrainian subjects (303 males and 616 females, ages 18¯60). There were differences in food perception and consumption patterns according to gender. Although these findings parallel those obtained in Western populations, there were notable differences. For example, whole milk and butter were considered healthier than skimmed milk and margarine. While taste perceptions were highly correlated with consumption of most foods, cost affected consumption of fruits, sweets and some meats. Taste and health perceptions were intercorrelated, and usually not related to cost perceptions. Health perceptions had the least effect on consumption. This study provides insight into predictors of food choice, and has implications for developing nutrition policy and nutrition interventions in the Commonwealth of Independent States.