American consumers’ eating patterns of fish and knowledge of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Research PaperResearch on omega-3 fatty acids of marine origin consistently indicates the value of these substances to human health, while seafood processors face the challenge of creating value-added products rich in omega-3 compounds that consumers identify as being both healthful and tasty. In particular, albacore tuna is considered to have large potential for such applications. Hence, the present research aimed at assessing the potential demand of U.S. consumers for fish products with high omega-3 content; a second aim was to investigate the impact of health-related information on written descriptions of albacore tuna dishes, with the long-range goal of developing predictive models of consumer acceptance of fish products for the seafood industry. Two hundred American adults who regularly eat fish were recruited in the Portland, Oregon, area. They completed an Internet survey assessing demographics, fish consumption patterns and knowledge of omega-3. Information about health benefits of omega-3 was introduced for half of the participants to determine whether it would induce greater acceptance of written descriptions of albacore tuna dishes. Providing such information enhanced consumer acceptance. In addition, familiar seasonings enhanced acceptance of dishes while familiarity of cooking method had a similar effect on consumer acceptance. US consumers were found to be generally unaware of the actual food sources and fish species rich in omega-3. Consequently, new fish products high in omega-3 fatty acids will not be associated with providing health benefits unless consumers are better educated about dietary sources omega-3 and the specific health properties of these fatty acids