Consumers' Perception Structure of Food for Specified Health Uses and Food with Function Claims: Co-Word Network Analysis Focused on Association Relationships from Functional Claims

Abstract

In order to effectively use Food for Specified Health Uses and Food with Function Claims, it is important to analyze the consumers' perceptions of Functional Claims. In this study, we focused on four functional claims, namely, “Reducing body fat”, “Supporting eye function”, “Suppressing a rise in the blood glucose level” and, “Conditioning your stomach”. We applied co-word network analysis to text obtained from questionnaires to analyze the consumer's perception. As a result of the analysis, it was found that there are two types of misconceptions in consumers' perceptions. One is the confusion of two of the claims; the other is the misunderstanding of health functionality.