Fruit: comparisons of attitudes knowledge and preferences of primary school children in England and Germany.

Abstract

Primary school children's fruit consumption and attitudes, knowledge and preferences towards fruit were investigated using interview techniques in schools in England (Nottinghamshire) and Germany (North East) and analysed on the basis of culture, sex and social class. Children from both countries had strong positive attitudes to increase fruit consumption and differed little in their ability to correctly identify five fruits (including tropical fruits). Fruit preferences also showed many similarities with more than 95% of children from both Germany and England choosing apples as fruits they liked, followed closely by strawberries, oranges, pears, grapes, and bananas. Fruit consumption by German children was, however, higher than English children both at breakfast and during the school break. Strategies for increasing fruit consumption in English children are discussed in relation to the findings obtained.