Food Purchasing and Consumption Preferences of Individuals in Urban and Rural Areas

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to determine the food consumption preferences of individuals living in rural and urban areas, to examine the reasons affecting these preferences and the differences that emerged in line with these reasons. A total of 156 individuals were selected from the rural population and 164 individuals were selected from the urban population by proportional sampling method. Food expenditures are the most common expenditure item in both rural and urban areas. It is seen that individuals living in rural areas spend the most on pulses with a rate of 67.95%. This is followed by breakfast products, meat and meat products, flour and flour products. Individuals living in urban areas spend the most on breakfast products. While individuals living in rural areas pay the most attention to the price of food, individuals living in urban areas pay the most attention to its quality. Individuals living in rural and urban areas are most concerned about the possibility of food containing additives and genetically modified products. In addition, individuals living in urban areas are more concerned about pesticide residues, expiration dates, hormone and chemical residues in plants and animals than those living in rural areas. Individuals living in both areas emphasize prices when purchasing food. However, for individuals living in rural areas, the fact that the price of one product is lower than another product is the reason for preference was determined as the distinguishing point.