Investigating Neophobia Towards New Food Technologies in Italy: The CoNF&TTI Cross-Sectional Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background/Objectives: Food technology neophobia (FTN), defined as the reluctance to accept or consume foods produced with novel or emerging food technologies, represents a psychological barrier to the adoption of sustainable and innovative dietary practices. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of food technology neophobia and its associated factors among Italian university students. Methods: A total of 1788 undergraduates from 13 universities completed a validated online questionnaire between February and October 2024. The instrument included the Food Technology Neophobia Scale (FTNS), environmental attitude items, and demographic and dietary questions. Results: The mean FTNS score was 51.2 ± 14.0, suggesting moderate levels of neophobia. Multivariate logistic regression identified several factors inversely associated with neophobia: male gender (OR = 0.73, p = 0.003), paternal university education (OR = 0.73, p = 0.024), studying in Northern Italy (OR = 0.64, p < 0.001), dietary supplement use (OR = 0.74, p = 0.003), and pro-environmental attitudes (OR = 0.97, p < 0.001). Conversely, being a commuter student was associated with increased neophobia (OR = 1.29, p = 0.031). Conclusions: These findings highlight the influence of socio-demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal factors on the acceptance of new food technologies. Tailored strategies are recommended to address FTN in specific subgroups, particularly among female, commuter, and Southern Italian students, to enhance receptivity to food innovation and support sustainable dietary transitions.
Source: Nutrients
DOI: 10.3390/nu17172825
Authors: Carmela Protano, Federica Valeriani, Patrizia Calella, Giuseppina Caggiano, Annalisa Bargellini, Aida Bianco, Lavinia Bianco, Salvatore Borzì, Anastasia Cataldo, Maria Eugenia Colucci, Laura Dallolio, Chiara de Waure, Gabriella Di Giuseppe, Pasqualina Laganà, Giuseppe La Spada, Francesca Licata, Isabella Marchesi, Alice Masini, Maria Teresa Montagna, Christian Napoli, Stefania Oliva, Giovanna Paduano, Stefania Paduano, Cesira Pasquarella, Concetta Paola Pelullo, Michela Persiani, Vincenzo Romano Spica, Rossella Sacchetti, Giacomo Scaioli, Concetta Arianna Scicchitano, Roberta Siliquini, Francesco Triggiano, Licia Veronesi, Katia Vitale, Francesca Gallè
Institutions: Sapienza University of Rome, Foro Italico University of Rome, Parthenope University of Naples, University of Bari Aldo Moro, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Magna Graecia University, University of Turin, University of Parma, University of Bologna, University of Perugia, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", University of Messina, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, Azienda Ospedaliera Citta' della Salute e della Scienza di Torino
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
OpenAlex ID: W4413880749