Fruit and vegetable liking and intake among college students: a cross-sectional study

Objective This study examined the liking of fruits and vegetables among college students and the relationship between skin carotenoid levels and liking of fruits and vegetables. Participants: Sixty-six undergraduate students enrolled at a university in the southeastern United States participated in this study beginning August 2019. Methods: Skin carotenoid levels were measured using the Veggie Meter (R) reflection spectroscopy device. Liking of individual fruits and vegetables was measured using a hedonic general Labeled Magnitude Scale. Results: There were significant differences in mean skin carotenoid levels by year of study and age group. Students had a very strong liking for potatoes and pineapple. Veggie Meter scores and overall liking for fruits and vegetables were positively correlated. Conclusions: In order to encourage the consumption of fruits and vegetables, preferences for specific fruits and vegetables as well as accessibility should be considered to better serve and accommodate college students.

Automated summary

This study examined the liking of fruits and vegetables among college students and the relationship between skin carotenoid levels and liking of fruits and vegetables. The results showed that students had a very strong liking for potatoes and pineapple, and the skin carotenoid levels were positively correlated with overall liking for fruits and vegetables.