Philippine Journal of Science
147 (2): 255-260, June 2018
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 27 Mar 2017

Consumers’ Patronage of Healthy Meal Options in a Food Establishment

Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso*, Milflor S. Gonzales, Jerlyn D. Avilla, and Mario V. Capanzana

Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology,
DOST Complex, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines

*Corresponding authors: maideliag@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health by the WHO suggests that the private sector become partners with governments to facilitate and enable integrated effort to encourage healthier environments (WHO 2006). A restaurant is a promising venue in promoting healthy eating (Story 2008; Saelens 2007). This study aimed to promote the healthy plate (Pinggang Pinoy) concept among Filipino consumers through a Bakeshop in the Philippines with some of its branches having a food shop. The Healthy Plate is a plate-based food guide showing right food proportions that provide optimal amount of nutrients required by an average Filipino. The study involved consumer patronage. For the healthy meal options, Plate 1 consisted of Fried Marinated Milkfish, Sauteed Mungbean, Steamed Rice, and Fruit Gelatin & Water; Plate 2 consisted of Fried Marinated Milkfish, Sauteed Assorted Vegetables, Steamed Rice, and Fruit Gelatin & Water. It undertook a customer study using frequency counts and percentages on the sales of Plates 1 and 2. Data showed that majority of the customers who bought meals were females, 35-64 years old. Plate 1 was accepted by Filipinos as shown in the increase in number of orders for dine-in and take-out. Consumption of Plate 1 through dine-in and take-out increased by 60% from 2015 to 2016, from 66,093 to 110,604 orders. In 2016, Plate 2 recorded orders of 35,760 and 11,953 in Metro Manila and Luzon, respectively. Based on the number of orders, healthy plate meals were bought by Filipino costumers, which may suggest that Filipinos nowadays are becoming more aware of healthy meals. Data showed that there is a growing number of Filipinos who prefer dining-out rather than preparing food at home (Nielsen 2014). Thus, providing healthy meals in restaurants can encourage healthy eating.