The Impact of Customers' Nutritional Awareness on Food Habits, Behaviors, and Choices in Fast Food Restaurants

Abstract

The current study aims to explore the impact of customers’ nutritional awareness on food habits, behaviors, and choices in fast food restaurants. This study used a questionnaire for collecting data by random sample of fast food restaurants customers in Minia, Bani suef, and Fayoum governorates during the period (January to April 2024). A quantitative approach was applied. A total of 404 questionnaire forms were distributed to fast food restaurants customers. SPSS version 22.0 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics (such as frequency, percentage, standard deviation, mean, and rank) were used to evaluate the relative importance of the research variables. Correlation and regression used to test study hypotheses. The results showed that awareness significantly contributed to food behaviors, influencing customer habits and food choices. Healthy food habits are closely linked to nutritional awareness, with individuals with strong health habits tending to engage in healthier choices. Additionally, awareness significantly influenced food item choices, with individuals with high self-health awareness more likely to pay attention to nutritional information. The research recommended that fast food restaurants managers should work collaboratively to promote nutritional awareness, encourage healthier food behaviors, and address the complex challenges associated with diet-related health issues.