Use of butter and cheese in 10 European countries: A case of contrasting educational differences

Abstract

Higher and lower socioeconomic groups have different sources of saturated fats. Higher social classes use more cheese whereas lower social classes use more butter or animal fats. This can be observed especially in countries where the consumption of cheese is increasing and that of butter decreasing. Higher social classes prefer modern foods, lower classes traditional foods.

Socio-demographic differences in food habits and preferences of school adolescents in Jiangsu Province, China

“…This is in contrast with findings from many developed countries but not in contrast with other countries in transition/developing countries (Thang & Popkin, 2004). There is a possibility that the high status groups will set the example for other groups and that this problem will increase as the economy also improves for other groups (Prattala et al, 2003). Therefore, it is important to prevent the rise of obesity in the sample areas as well as in the rest of China by developing preventive strategies for more healthy food habits.…”

Does Food Group Consumption Vary by Differences in Socioeconomic, Demographic, and Lifestyle Factors in Young Adults? The Bogalusa Heart Study

“…Similar findings from previous research have been reported; individuals with a lower socioeconomic status had a higher consumption level of potatoes, meat products, visible fats, and soft drinks (11); another study reported higher consumption of chips, soda, white bread, processed meats, full-fat dairy products, and sugar in women with a lower socioeconomic status (15). In contrast, individuals belonging to higher socioeconomic status groups were observed to have more consumption of whole grains (15), fruits/vegetables (11,15), and dairy products (11)(12)(13)15). It has been hypothesized that the relationship between higher socioeconomic status and more healthful food consumption could be due to the knowledge and health awareness that individuals may acquire with higher socioeconomic status, or increased pressures of social acceptability that occur with increasing socioeconomic status and these factors may influence their food consumption habits (53).…”

“…It has been noted that intake of fast foods, snacks (5,6), and sweetened beverages (5) has increased among young adults, whereas intake of fruits, vegetables (7), and dairy products (6) [8][9][10][11][12][14][15][16], and a minority reporting either dubious (13) or no connection (28,29). This warrants more studies.…”

“…It has been noted that intake of fast foods, snacks (5,6), and sweetened beverages (5) has increased among young adults, whereas intake of fruits, vegetables (7), and dairy products (6) has decreased. Various factors such as socioeconomic status (eg, income and/or education) (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16), demographics (eg, sex and ethnicity) (17)(18)(19), and lifestyle characteristics (eg, marital status [20][21][22][23] and physical activity [15,24,25]) have been thought to influence the food choices in this age group. However, the majority of studies conducted in the United States have either examined cost issues with respect to purchasing specific healthful foods (14,(26)(27)(28)(29) or have examined the influence of socioeconomic status on nutrient intakes (30,31) rather than the consumption of specific food groups.…”

“…Also, the high intercorrelation among some nutrients (34) and complicated interactions among nutrients (35) makes it more difficult to assess the influence of socioeconomic status on dietary (nutrient) intakes. Furthermore, reported results of the role of socioeconomic status/ cost of foods on dietary intakes have been conflicting, with a majority of the research showing a positive connection (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(14)(15)(16), and a minority reporting either dubious (13) or no connection (28,29). This warrants more studies.…”