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Chocolate Consumption Habits of Hungarian Women and Their Consumer Behaviour Regarding Sugar-free Chocolate
3-20Views:424In line with the global trend of health and wellness, there is now an increased demand for products that have a positive effect on health (or that are at least less unhealthy), such as sugar-free or reduced-calorie chocolate, especially among female consumers. Therefore, in our research, we set out to explore the chocolate consumption habits of Hungarian women, with particular regard to consumer acceptance of sugar-free chocolate. In the course of our primary research, we conducted an online questionnaire survey with the participation of 370 female respondents, during which we explored some elements of their consumer behaviour related to conventional and sugar-free/reduced-calorie chocolates; moreover, possible differences in the willingness to pay for sugar-free and conventional chocolates were also examined by using the packaging of two real, 100 g Stühmer milk chocolate bars and their modified versions as well. According to our results, the vast majority of women interviewed like chocolate, with milk chocolate being the most popular. Most of them eat chocolate a few times a week, but consumption of sugar-free/reduced-calorie chocolate is much less common. When buying chocolate, the respondents are clearly most influenced by the taste, which is followed far behind by the price, and then the healthiness of the chocolate. Most of the women asked are interested in sugar-free and reduced-calorie chocolates, the majority of them consume such products because of health awareness. The respondents’ willingness to pay for sugar-free chocolates is not lower compared to the versions sweetened with sugar, but the willingness to pay reaches the market price only in the case of a gift purchase; in the case of a purchase for one’s own consumption, it mostly falls short of it.
JEL-Code: M31 -
Levels of Behaviour Change in the Course of Body Mass Management – Food Consumption and Physical Activity
19-28Views:364Based on the secondary data, it can be stated that more than half of the Hungarian population are obese, therefore, the actuality of this topic is approved. As a result of this research, the distribution of the examined sample has been executed by the phases of the Transtheoretical model. Thus, the situation in the precontemplation phase is better concerning the transfer to more regular physical activity (one-third of the sample) than the change for food consumption considered as healthier. Similar results were received in the phase of maintenance as well: one-fourth of the sample answered that they did more regular physical activity with the minimal risk of fallback, and one-fifth of them thought that their healthier food consumption could be maintained. The fewest people are in the preparation phase of the transfer to healthier food nutrition, while in the case of more regular physical activity the rate is also lower in the phase of preparation compared to the contemplation, action and maintenance stages. A reason for that can be that the questioned see the change within one month, or they do not have the necessary determination to execute the change within such a short deadline, or to prepare themselves to the change. Considering the gender, in the first and last phases (precontemplation and maintenance) men are in greater proportion on both examined fields. In our opinion, the reason for it is that men are more determined considering their values and attitudes of their own body mass management. We think that the low number of people in the precontemplation phase is quite promising, especially in the case of more regular physical activity, since the people on the higher levels have the potential to develop healthier nutrition and physical activity, to enhance the motivation of contemplators, preparators and doers, and the support of maintainers can be a realistic step to reach the health political aims.
JEL code: Q13
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A HÍR védjegy ismertsége és beágyazódottsága a magyar fogyasztók körében
81-97Views:445The Traditions-Tastes-Regions (TTR) programme has more than 20 years of history, promoting and economically stimulating the traditional and local food products of Hungary. Since 2002 the TTR is a registered trademark and used for product differentiation. At the end of 2018 altogether 92 producers with 176 products had the right to use the trademark. The Geographical Indications Programme – initiated by the Hungarian government in order to increase the number of the Hungarian GI products in the EU register – is also based on the TTR initiative. The demand of the Hungarian traditional food products in general, as well the supply side of the TTR programme is well described by the literature, however the field of the consumers’ relation with the TTR trademark seems to be undiscovered. In spite of this background, this study tries to describe the recognition and the embeddedness of the TTR trademark among the Hungarian consumers. Part of an international survey conducted by the Strength2Food H2020 research project, the TTR trademark was analysed on a sample of 444 Hungarian consumers, retrieved from an online survey. Results suggest that the almost 40% recognition of the TTR trademark significantly exceeds recognition of the EU geographical indications labels. However, only roughly 10% of the consumers seeks purposefully food products with TTR label. Regular buyers of such foods usually seek for meat products. Based on the binomial regression models the recognition of the TTR trademark’s logo is significantly higher among female, older and non-vegetarian consumers with lower income levels. The place of regular purchase is also statistically significant: consumers with regular purchase in organic shops and in short food supply chains (directly from the producer) tend to be more aware of the TTR logo. Regarding the regular consumption of such products we can say that males and consumers shopping in supermarkets and discounters are becoming a frequent buyer of TTR products with a higher probability.
JEL Codes: M31, M37, O13, O34, Q13
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Examination of Consumer Preferences of the Sweet Taste
21-30Views:185The aim of this study was to explore the sugar, sweetener, confectionery consumption habits of the Hungarian population. The online questionnaire survey was conducted in June 2024 with a sample of 1,000 individuals. Quota sampling ensured representativeness of the adult population by age, gender, region, and settlement type. In addition to consumption habits, the questionnaire also addressed consumer knowledge and demographic characteristics. Findings reveal that most respondents continue to consume sugar primarily due to taste and habit, while the main reasons for avoiding sugar are the desire to reduce empty calorie intake and health-related concerns. The use of sweeteners is mostly linked to weight control, diabetes, and health consciousness, though taste is a less influential factor in their use. Confectionery consumption is widespread, with 99.1% of respondents consuming such products to some extent. Among “free-from” sweets, sugar-free options are the most sought-after, particularly among women, urban dwellers, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Compared to 2022, confectionery consumption has increased, and weight control has become the leading motivation for using sweeteners. While consumer decisions remain primarily driven by taste and habit, health awareness is gaining importance—reflected in the growing interest in sugar-free products.
JEL Codes: D11, D12, M31 -
The Most Expensive Bites – Food Waste among University Students in Debrecen
59-75Views:417The scale, importance and consequences of food waste are a much-studied topic, as they contribute greatly to resource wastage and environmental damage. Research at the University of Debrecen aimed to explore the factors behind food waste, with a particular focus on the habits of university students. While the overall level of food waste is well documented worldwide, research on specific population groups, such as university students, has only recently received attention. University students represent a unique demographic group due to their particular life rhythm, limited financial means and more in-depth knowledge. In the framework of the research, a survey was conducted among the students of the University of Debrecen in the academic year 2023/2024 to find out their knowledge and habits related to food waste. The aim of the survey is to highlight opportunities to reduce waste and contribute to more sustainable consumption patterns. The survey was voluntary and consisted of 133 questions in several groups of questions. After data cleaning, the present study is based on the responses of 618 students. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 29.0. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test were conducted and Chi-square test was used at 5% level of significance. K-means clustering algorithm was used to group respondents based on their estimated individual food waste in kilograms and their household or national average food waste. In addition to this, PCA (Principal Component Analysis) analysis was applied. There was a significant difference between genders, with women typically wasting less food than men, there was no difference in wastage between income groups, but there was for the principal components based on attitudes, with those of modest income typically being more financially conscious, while those of above average income were less characterized by planning and more characterized by environmentalism. There was also a significant difference by education level, with lower educated individuals being more receptive to discounts and higher educated individuals scoring higher on the environmental principal component.
JEL Codes: D12, Q18, Q 53, Q56 -
Environmental Awareness of Generations and Sustainable Product Development: The Way towards a Green Future
45-57Views:549Environmental protection is one of the most significant challenges of our time, becoming increasingly urgent due to the growing population and consumption. This study examines the environmental awareness of different generations, particularly Generation Z, and highlights gender differences. The online questionnaire survey analyzed the opinions of 427 respondents living in the Northern Great Plain region, of whom 367 belonged to Generation Z (148 men, 219 women) and 57 to Generations X and Y. The study also investigated Generation Z's attitudes toward activities aimed at mitigating climate change, with comparisons across genders and generations. On a 1-to-5 Likert scale (1 = not important at all, 5 = extremely important), Generation Z ranked selective waste collection (average = 4.37), avoiding food waste (average = 4.21), and conscious energy use (average = 4.17) as the most important. Women rated environmentally conscious activities, such as using recycled paper and choosing products with less packaging, significantly higher than men (p ≤ 0.05). Comparative analysis showed that Generations X and Y considered nearly all climate protection activities more important than Generation Z (p ≤ 0.05), likely due to higher levels of knowledge about energy-saving solutions. Education and family environment play a key role in shaping environmental values. Despite generational differences, Generation Z also prioritizes waste reduction and considers climate protection aspects in their purchasing decisions. The study additionally presents the development of a sustainable soft drink that incorporates environmental considerations and offers an innovative packaging solution to minimize waste.
JEL code: Q01
