engleski

Public perception of light food products

Light products’ market is getting larger as number of health conscious consumers increases and as a consequence of high prevalence of overweight/obesity. Croatian legislative does not define term light, and instead of light, following terms are used: Low sugars, Sugars free, With no added sugars, Low fat, Fat free, Low saturated fat, Saturated fat free, Energy reduced, Low energy and Energy free. Nevertheless, term light is widely used. The aim of this study was to determine use and perception of light food products. Specially designed questionnaire was used. Subjects (n=1007) were telephone interviewed. Sample was random and representative for Republic of Croatia according to gender, region, age and education. Subjects’ age range was 15-75. Results showed that 42 and 59 % of males and females, respectively, do consume light products. 41 % of subjects consume light products on a daily basis. The most often consumed light products are fermented dairy drinks, milk, margarine and carbonated soft drinks. Health and calorie counting were the most important factors for choosing light products in both genders. In conclusion, more females than males use light products. The most important reason for choosing light products is health. Light products are viewed as healthier than conventional ones, but 26 % of subjects erroneously assume that their use enables eating more of other foods.

light products; public perception

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