Food Neophobia in Children: Exploring the Role of Olfaction Through a Novel Toolkit of Fruit and Vegetable Odor Stimuli

ABSTRACT

Fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption is promoted by health authorities, but remains too low. In children, low FV consumption is linked to food neophobia (FN), the rejection of unfamiliar foods. Sensory properties play a key role in children's rejection of food, yet the role of olfaction in FN among children remains under‐researched. This study explored FV liking, odor liking, and odor identification in 112 children, varying in FN (mean age 10.6, SD 0.91). The identification or liking of FV odors showed little direct correlation to FN. However, the sample demonstrated a positive connection between identifying a FV odor and liking it, suggesting that odor familiarization may increase odor liking. Additionally, FV odor liking was associated with liking a corresponding food sample, suggesting food odors play a key role in FV liking. Future research should explore the effect of odor enhancement interventions on FN and FV acceptance.