CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE AND PERCEPTION OF NUGGET PRODUCT AS A NUTRITION EDUCATION MEDIUM INTRODUCED THROUGH FOOD FESTIVAL
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Abstract
Background: Innovative approaches are needed to improve public nutrition awareness, particularly among children and families. Utilizing familiar food products as educational media in informal settings can enhance engagement and nutrition concepts understanding. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate consumer acceptance and perception of a nugget product introduced as a nutrition education medium during a food festival. Methods: The study employed a mixed-methods approach involving 22 participants. Consumer acceptance was assessed using a five-point hedonic scale evaluating visual appearance, taste, suitability with the nutrition concept, and clarity of nutrition explanation. Consumer perceptions were explored through open-ended questions addressing understanding of nutrition, perception of nutritious food, emotional responses, and suggestions for improvement. Data were analyzed descriptively and presented in quantitative and qualitative summaries. Results: The nugget product received high acceptance across all evaluated attributes, with mean scores exceeding 4.0 on a five-point scale. Taste showed the highest acceptance score, followed by clarity of nutrition explanation and suitability with the nutrition concept. Qualitative findings indicated that consumers associated nutrition with growth, health, and energy, and perceived the nugget as a nutritious food primarily due to its protein content. Positive emotional responses such as happiness and satisfaction were commonly reported, and children and families were identified as the most suitable target groups. Conclusion: The results suggest that nugget products can function effectively as nutrition education media when introduced through community-based events such as food festivals. Integrating sensory appeal with clear nutrition messaging may enhance consumer engagement and support nutrition education efforts in informal settings.
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