Effects of repeated exposure on acceptance of initially disliked and liked Nordic snack bars in 9–11 year-old children

SummaryBackground & aimsChildren’s food choices are guided by their preferences. It is established, however, that repeated exposure to a novel food increases children’s acceptance. This study investigated how acceptance of an initially liked and disliked snack bar develops in 9–11 year-old children.Methods315 children were randomised into three groups: A control group (n = 111) and two groups exposed to an initially liked kamut bar (n = 94) and an initially disliked sea buckthorn bar (n = 110). Acceptance of both bars was tested before and after the exposure period, and on the 9th exposure.ResultsIntake of both bars increased significantly in the exposure groups. There was no difference in the control groups’ intake or liking of the bars between pre and post-testing. Liking rose significantly for children exposed to the disliked sea buckthorn bar, while this was not observed in children exposed to the liked kamut bar. In a post-test children exposed to kamut bars had higher intake of that bar than non-exposed children. This was also observed for the sea buckthorn bar that was also given significantly higher liking scores by the exposure group.ConclusionsThe majority of children exposed to an initially disliked bar increase acceptance after nine exposures to the same level as an initially liked bar. Children repeatedly exposed to a liked bar show stable acceptance.