Eating away from home: A quantitative analysis of food neophobia (FNS) and satisfaction with food life (SWFLS) scales among university students

In the context of increasing globalization of the food industry, young adults are exposed to a variety of foods and culinary traditions that challenge their established and traditional food preferences. The process of food choice is particularly evident in the context of living away from home, where independent management of one's diet is required and where reactions to new foods can vary widely, from acceptance to rejection. Furthermore, these dynamics have the potential to affect well-being and satisfaction, which are critical elements of quality of life during this transition to autonomy. This study examines the relationship between food neophobia and food-related satisfaction in a sample of 227 Italian university students living away from their families of origin, trying to determine the food consumption preferences of students by categorizing them by performing a clustering analysis and using a multiple correspondence analysis. An online questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic variables, levels of food neophobia, and food-related life satisfaction. The analysis identified two consumer profiles: the first characterized by reluctance to try new foods and low food satisfaction; the second by openness to new foods and higher food satisfaction. The results demonstrate the impact of sociodemographic characteristics, including gender, age, income and field of study, on the relationship between food neophobia and food well-being. The study suggests that interventions aimed at reducing food neophobia could improve food-related quality of life in this population. In addition, cultural integration and food autonomy appear to be key factors in promoting student well-being. • Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) explores the relationships between food neophobia, food satisfaction, and sociodemographic variables, identifying two distinct profiles of college students. • The Food Neophobia Scale and the Satisfaction With Food-related Life Scale reveal significant associations with work, income, geographic origin, course of study, and eating style. • The study shows that students who are more open to new foods report higher food satisfaction and overall well-being. • The results suggest that educational and cultural interventions can reduce neophobia and improve food-related quality of life.