The Relationship between Food Preferences and Food Choice: A Theoretical Discussion
Mette Vabø, Håvard Hansen

Abstract
This paper discusses the relationship between food preferences and food choice. First, we aim to identify and point out what factors affect our food preferences and thereby try to explain the many reasons for differing food preferences. The underlying reasons might come from different sources, and this paper focuses on trying to fully grasp this complexity. We illustrate the variation of factors affecting our food preferences; biological/physiological, psychological and societal factors. Second, we aim to give a general overview over factors affecting food choice and the actual decision making process used by consumers. Third, we provide a brief discussion regarding the connection between food preferences and food choice. Finally, we conclude by stating that further insight is needed in areas such as cultural, historical and demographic factors. One solution to this could be to allow methodological influence from other disciplines such as social psychology.

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