The influence of animation on functional food intake in children

A Work Project, presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Masters Degree in Management from the NOVA – School of Business and Economics

Stimuli elicit certain behaviors in people whether consciously or unconsciously. Food choice is not an exception. This project discusses children’s behavior towards a dish presented in an animated way versus a regular way. Additionally, the area judgment is examined through different disposition of ingredients in the dish. Results suggest a large and highly significant effect of animation, generating positive affect towards taste. When animation is perceived, information is processed in a connected way and therefore more fluent and efficient, evidenced by an overvaluation of the whole. It was also evidenced that children tend to refer to be more satiated when exposed to animation, even though quantities were the same as in the regular appearance condition.