Consumer acceptance and preference for brown rice—A mixed‐method qualitative study from Nepal

Abstract

Background Brown rice consumption reduces the risk of diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing in Nepal; however, dietary preference remains for white rice. This study aimed to understand the perception, enablers, barriers, and facilitators of acceptance brown rice at a worksite cafeteria. Methods We conducted a mixed‐method qualitative research among 42 employees of a hospital in central Nepal. The participants tasted and rated the qualities of five different combinations of brown and white rice on a hedonic scale. We conducted eight focus group discussions (FGDs)—four before and four after tasting rice combinations. FGDs were recorded, transcribed, and coded verbatim and analyzed manually using inductive–deductive thematic method. Results Before tasting, the participants perceived brown rice as poor in quality. After tasting, the participants found that brown rice had better quality and were willing to switch gradually starting with a 25B ratio. Eighty‐three percent of participants liked a combination of 25B. Major barriers were poor perception of its quality, tradition, unavailability, lack of awareness of health benefits, and high price. Major facilitators were availability, self and family awareness about the health benefits, knowledge, the brown rice cooking process, serving with side dishes, prior tasting, and gradual substitution of brown rice. Conclusion We found that brown rice should be promoted stepwise, first as a mixture with white rice and gradually increasing the proportion of brown rice. Brown rice acceptance can be increased by improved knowledge of its nutrition and health benefits, increasing availability, and affordability.

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“…Additionally, the texture and flavor of brown rice may not be as universally appealing as those of white rice, posing difficulties for individuals with large families. Previous studies conducted in Asia, Latin America, and Africa have identified various barriers to the acceptance of brown rice, including limited awareness of its nutritional benefits, and its particular sensory attributes [29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36]. Practical constraints related to market availability, price, and cooking requirements also contribute to these barriers.…”

Trends and Characteristics of Brown Rice Consumption among Adults in Japan: An Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Surveys, 2012–2019

“…Additionally, the texture and flavor of brown rice may not be as universally appealing as those of white rice, posing difficulties for individuals with large families. Previous studies conducted in Asia, Latin America, and Africa have identified various barriers to the acceptance of brown rice, including limited awareness of its nutritional benefits, and its particular sensory attributes [32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39]. Practical constraints related to market availability, price, and cooking requirements also contribute to these barriers.…”

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“…Therefore, the research team decided and conducted a brown rice tasting experiment with 40 employees of the hospital. After tasting brown rice, the participants perception on brown rice changed positively [ 17 ].…”