Influence of Food Neophobia Levels on Recognition, Experience, Liking and Willingness-to-Try Foods of Varying Familiarity

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the degree of FN in a representative population of Korean adults and the effects of FN on food recognition, consumption experience, liking, and willingness-to-try across four food categories with varying levels of familiarity. Significant differences in FN were observed based on gender, region of residence, education level, occupation, income, and international experience. Lower familiar food categories resulted in greater differences in liking and willingness-to-try scores among the three groups. Prior consumption experience correlated with higher liking and willingness-to-try scores. Higher FN levels were associated with lower liking and willingness-to-try scores. The influence of consumption experience on liking and willingness-to-try varied with FN level, being more pronounced in the high FN group. These results support that FN affects consumption experience, liking, and willingness-to-try food items.