Hispanics Say Nutritious Foods Aren’t As Tasty: NPD

This survey of Hispanics in the United States examines attitudes toward food and health. The survey found that as a demographic, Hispanics differ from other US adults and that the differences are greater the less acculturated the respondent. Almost half (46%) of those who are predominantly Spanish-speaking believe that almost nothing that is good for you tastes good whereas only 11% of Hispanics who are predominantly English-speaking say the same.

According to this report US Hispanics have different ideas about food than the average US population, and those attitudes shift with acculturation. The reason for this is attributed to food and beverage being a part of maintaining Hispanic culture and identity. The survey suggests that among many Hispanics “eating well” is related to filling one’s plate and eating all the food on it and that healthy food is perceived not to taste well:

“Forty-six percent of Spanish-language dominant Hispanics feel that almost everything that is very good for you doesn’t taste very good. However, proportions change as Hispanics acculturate. For example, 31 percent of bilingual Hispanics and only 11 percent of English dominant Hispanics agree.”