Exploring the Social Aspects of Food
By understanding the food-consumer relationship, Nestlé scientists can identify and fulfill needs through foods.
In the industrialized world, consumers seek added-value in food products through pleasure (largely from taste, texture and appearance) and convenience. Products can also contribute to a lifestyle experience of sharing or personal enjoyment, while respecting cultural values.
The other key social aspect of food involves identifying nutritional needs and food habits within sections or sub-sections of whole populations. For example:
A survey by Nestlé scientists revealed that Swiss adolescents stick remarkably closely to the eating patterns they learn as young children.
By studying nutrient intake in African villages and analysing nutritional value of locally grown cereals, Nestlé studies aim to help populations in developing countries to be less dependent on high cost imported cereals.
An extensive epidemiological study by Nestlé in Ecuador investigated the links between the nutrient, zinc, in local foods and the rate of growth and development of preschool children.
A seven-year clinical assessment on the energy requirements of babies and young children in rural and urban China was used to revise the Recommended Daily Allowances of nutrients (RDA) for infants in China.
Nestlé Research has an extensive knowledge base coming from several decades of clinical trials on nutrient metabolism and physiological response. This is constantly being supplemented by new research.