From Liking to Following: The Role of Food Preferences, Taste Perception, and Lifestyle Factors in Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Among Young Individuals

By:
José V. Sorlí,Edurne de la Cámara,José I. González,Olga Portolés,Ignacio M. Giménez-Alba,Rebeca Fernández-Carrión,Oscar Coltell,Inmaculada González-Monje,Carmen Saiz,Eva C. Pascual,Laura V. Villamil,Dolores Corella,Eva M. Asensio,Carolina Ortega-Azorín
Date:
2025
Resource type:
Peer review
Link:

This cross-sectional study of 879 young adults in Spain analyzed how food preferences, taste perception, and lifestyle behaviors impact adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet). High preference for olive oil, legumes, oranges, broccoli, and fish was associated with better adherence. Conversely, a preference for sweet foods, red meat, and butter led to lower adherence. Bitter taste preference correlated positively with MedDiet adherence, while sweet taste preference had a negative association. The study advocates for precision nutrition interventions that integrate sensory preferences to improve dietary behaviors in young populations.

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