Do we know how much we put on the plate? Assessment of the accuracy of self-estimated versus weighed vegetables and whole grain portions using an Intelligent Buffet at the FoodScape Lab

• Published in: Appetite Vol. 81; pp. 162 - 167
• Main Authors: Nørnberg, T.R., Houlby, L., Jørgensen, L.N., He, C., Pérez-Cueto, F.J.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2014
• Subjects: Adult; Denmark; Diet; Edible Grain; Energy Intake; Feeding Behavior; Female; FoodScape Lab; Fruit; Humans; Intelligent Buffet; Male; Meals; Portion Size; Self-estimation; Serving size; Vegetables; Whole grain; Young Adult; Whole grain; Intelligent Buffet; Serving size; Vegetables; Self-estimation; FoodScape Lab
• ISSN: 0195-6663; 1095-8304
• DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2014.06.007

•Danish students’ self-reported portions were thrice bigger than actual servings.•Portion size recommendations may have limited relevance to consumers.•Overestimations contribute to incorrect perception of current intake.•The Intelligent Buffet is a new tool for accurate measurement of food choice. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of self-estimated vegetable and whole grain serving sizes in a self-served buffet meal. The study took place in a laboratory setting where an Intelligent Buffet was used to register the exact weight of each food type that was self-served by each participant. The initial sample consisted of 58 participants recruited from Aalborg University in Copenhagen, of which 52 participants (59% male) provided complete estimates on the weight of whole grains and 49 participants (63% male) provided complete estimates on the weight of vegetable servings in their meal. The majority of the participants were students aged 20–29 years (85% for whole grain responses and 82% for vegetable responses). Significant differences between self-estimated and actual portion size estimates were observed for both vegetables and whole grains (P < 0.001). The mean self-estimated weight of a vegetable serving was 218(±134) g compared to the mean actual weight of 74(±44) g. The mean self-estimated and mean actual weights of a whole grain serving were 36(±34) g and 10(±9) g, respectively. There was no significant correlation between self-estimated and actual weights for each food group (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the participants’ ability to accurately assess the serving size of vegetables and whole grains in a self-served meal did not correspond with the actual amount served. This may have implications for consumer interpretation of dietary recommendations used in nutrition interventions in Denmark.