Self-reported Knowledge and Perception of Dietary Fiber in Denmark and Greece

Abstract

Dietary fiber is essential and supports health, yet intake across Europe remains below the recommended levels. The current study compared fiber knowledge and awareness as well as food choice behaviour between adults living in Denmark and Greece. A quantitative study was conducted with an online survey in both countries, resulting in 189 valid responses. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U tests, t-tests, and chi-square analysis were applied to examine the differences.
Participants living in Denmark reported statistically significant higher self-rated knowledge of high-fiber foods and descriptively reported higher awareness of recommended intake levels as well as stronger identification of fiber-rich foods. In contrast, Greek participants showed a descriptively higher pattern of uncertainty of both the recommended levels and the healthiness of fiber-rich foods.
Differences in motivational and barrier factors are reported, with taste contributing as both for Danish respondents, while for Greek participants taste wasn’t reported as important. On the other hand, health benefits were reported as a motivator in both countries. Barriers such as cost and time did not differ significantly, and the perception of fiber foods adding “no value” was rarely endorsed. Lastly, a few participants misidentified fiber-rich foods that support the assumption of gaps in consumers’ fiber food knowledge.
Overall, the findings conclude cultural and demographic differences that contribute to fiber food choices. Increasing nutritional communication, with a focus on the improvement of sensory properties in Denmark and on enhancing fiber knowledge in Greece, may support healthier dietary patterns.

Date of Award	2025-Dec
Original language	Swedish
Supervisor	Karin Wendin (Supervisor), Marcus Jc Johansson (Supervisor) & Emily Sonestedt (Examiner)