The influence of food values on snacks and beverage choices: an experimental study in Mexico

This study examines whether Mexican consumers consider the value associated with the attributes of manufactured snacks when deciding what to eat between meals. A choice experiment involving the selection of healthy versus unhealthy snacks and beverages was performed using Qualtrics. A set of four options, each one corresponding to a combination of mid-day snack and beverage, was presented to 256 Mexican consumers, who, after making a choice, specified the importance they assigned to food choice values. Linear discriminant analysis and classification trees were used to identify what food choice values and psychographic and demographic traits explain the choices. The analytical results indicate weight control, healthiness and sustainability, and the emotional value of healthy snacks mainly drives the choices of health-conscious consumers.