User interactions with an affective nutritional coach

► Investigates how users respond to an affective embodied agent that simulates the role of a nutritional coach. ► Effects of simulated emotion investigated in scenario of encouraging healthy eating. ► Emotionally expressive embodied agent was perceived as significantly more likeable and caring than an unemotional version. ► No significant difference between emotional and unemotional conditions in degree to which subjects utilised educational resources provided. ► Qualitative feedback provides insights into user perceptions and potential for approach to support dietary change.