Cross-sectional study of taste perception and related factors for healthy eating habits among Japanese schoolchildren

Background: Taste perception plays an important role in a person's food preferences. Promoting an interest in taste and developing taste perception are important factors for healthy eating habits. However, only a few studies have been conducted to investigate the association of taste perception with personal background factors, nutrition, and eating habits. Aim: To investigate the current status and associated factors of taste perception among primary school children in Japan through a cross-sectional study design. Methods: A total of 77 children aged 9–11 years participated in this study between July and August 2022. Taste perception was assessed using the validated “Taste Strips” test, and participants were classified as either having high taste perception if their total taste score was ≥9 or having low taste perception if their score was <9. Data on demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, eating habits, nutrient intake, and self-efficacy were collected through questionnaires and regular health checkups. Results: Among the participants, 20% were classified as having low taste perception. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that family commensality at dinner (adjusted odds ratio: 5.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–28.0) and having a positive attitude (adjusted odds ratio: 1.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.0–1.1) were significantly associated with children’s taste perception. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the importance of nutrition education and the home environment in supporting the development of taste perception, potentially guiding interventions to promote healthy eating habits during children's critical formative period.