The Influence of Cartoon Character Advertising on Fruit and Vegetable Preferences of 9- to 11-Year-Old Children

Abstract 

Objective

The aim of the present study is to determine the influence of cartoon characters in preferences of fruit and vegetables among children.

Methods

A 10-item survey was used in this cross-sectional study to determine the factors that influence a child’s likelihood of eating fruits and vegetables. Seven factors influencing consumption of fruits and vegetables were rank ordered by 218 third- and fourth-grade students.

Results

Results indicated that the child was more likely to eat fruits or vegetables if they tasted good, followed by whether they were nutritious. Presence of a cartoon character on the label ranked 6 of 7. Sex does not affect the rank order of factors that influence intake of fruits or vegetables.

Conclusions and Implications

Future interventions aimed at increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables should take into consideration such factors that influence intake.

Key Words: fruit and vegetable intake, cartoon characters, sex differences, children, preferences