| The purpose of this study was to identify participants' knowledge of soy foods, perceived barriers to eating soy foods, and acceptable options to increase intake. A researcher-developed questionnaire was administered to 75 primary food shoppers. Social marketing provided the theoretical framework for changing consumer behavior. The study results indicated that most participants were aware of the health benefits of soy foods but had limited cooking knowledge. The majority of the subjects (63%) never or occasionally ate soy foods. Three barriers were reported most frequently: “I do not have any recipes for soy foods”, “I do not know how to cook soy foods”, and “Soy foods are expensive”. The three most acceptable options to increase intake were: watch cooking demonstrations, coupons, and offering recipes or soy food-shopping guides. This study provided nutrition educators and soy marketers a better understanding of consumers' needs, wants, values, and beliefs towards soy foods. |
