The food choice and the contemporary consumer

Abstract

Food is a basic human need to be covered on a daily basis. Throughout history, it has been modified as a result of scientific and technological advances. Today in the market we do not only have natural foods, but a series of food options with modifications at all levels: high or low in energy, proteins, fats and carbohydrates; modified in their vitamin or mineral content; enriched with this or that substance. The contemporary consumer has a hard time understanding some terms and deciding whether a particular product is more convenient than another. The purpose of this article is to point out the contemporary consumer's need for well-founded dietary guidance in order to make the right choice and, through it, to promote health.