Acculturation Processes and Food Neophobia

Food is a pivotal agent in the exchange of culture and the evolution of novel dietary practices, exerting influence on both immigrant communities and the host territories. Nevertheless, the process of acculturation frequently engenders tensions within migrant households, impacting food choices and the dynamics of adaptation to new environments. This study investigates levels of food neophobia, conceptualized as the aversion or reluctance to experiment with new culinary offerings, in relation to acculturation processes and sociodemographic variables in thirty-three immigrant families residing in Italy. The investigation employed the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) and four acculturation-related scales (the Brief Sociocultural Adaptation Scale [BSAS], the Brief Psychological Adaptation Scale [BPAS], the Brief Perceived Cultural Distance Scale [BPCDS], and Brief Acculturation Orientation Scale [BAOS]) to conduct a quantitative analysis, leveraging the actor–partner interdependence model (APIM). The findings indicate that variables such as geographical origin, dietary prescriptions, and age are significantly associated with levels of food neophobia. Specifically, younger parents exhibited higher levels of food neophobia compared to middle-aged parents, underscoring the notion that the early stages of migration can represent more challenging periods of food adaptation in this particular sample. Furthermore, cultural variables such as geographical origin and ethical–religious beliefs emerged as pivotal elements, emphasizing the pivotal role of cultural diversity in food dynamics and acculturation processes. This study contributes to the existing literature by offering an in-depth perspective on the interactions between acculturation, cultural identity, and dietary practices in immigrant households. The conclusions underscore the importance of taking cultural specificities and family dynamics into account in the development of inclusive and sustainable food policies.