This study was conducted to investigate whether there were differences in eco-friendly food, home meal replacement (HMR) purchases, and eating-out behavior according to the level of agri-food consumer competence. The data for the study were extracted from main food consumers (n=3,321) in the 2022 Food Consumption Behavior Survey. The competence index was divided into awareness-attitude-practice items, and three groups were classified by competence level. The results showed an agri-food consumer competency score of 70.62, with the highest score for awareness (73.96), followed by practice (69.28) and attitude (66.18). The frequency of purchasing eco-friendly food was higher in the excellent group compared to other groups, and quality and price satisfaction was higher with higher competency (p<0.001). Regarding HMR, the results showed that the shortage group had the lowest HMR consumption rate, and satisfaction decreased as competence decreased (p<0.001). The main reason for eating-out was to enjoy food in all groups (59.0%), followed by a lack of cooking time in the excellent group (15.7%) and hassle with food preparation in the moderate and shortage groups (17.3%, 16.6%) (p<0.001). In short, agri-food consumption competency showed differences by contents and components, and differences in food purchases and eating-out behavior by competency level were found.

This study examined the MZ Generation Consumers’ perception and needs of HMR (Home Meal Replacement) using local food. The paper provides basic data for deriving a plan to promote local food consumption and reports the implications for various development and distribution strategies regarding HMR using local food. In this study, a quantitative survey was conducted targeting 600 consumers to examine the general consumption status of HMR using local food by MZ consumers. In addition, a qualitative survey was conducted targeting 21 people to derive the specific perceptions and unmet needs of MZ consumers. These results showed that MZ consumers require healthy and fresh HMR but have low awareness of HMR using local food. Therefore, it is necessary to deliver sufficient information and promote it. In particular, MZ consumers have high expectations for ‘healthy and safe’ food when purchasing HMR using local food, which plays an important role in purchasing decisions. They also valued ‘convenience’, which means ‘simple cooking’, ‘subdivision packaging’, and ‘accessibility of purchasing channels’, as important when purchasing HMR using local food. Lastly, MZ consumers positively evaluated the values of ‘healthy eating’ and ‘revitalization of the local economy’ through local food.

This study was conducted to explore the change in the market issues on HMR (Home Meal Replacements) using local foods after the COVID-19 outbreak. Online text data were collected from internet news, social media posts, and web documents before (from January 2016 to December 2019) and after (from January 2020 to November 2022) the COVID- 19 outbreak. TF-IDF analysis showed that ‘Trend’, ‘Market’, ‘Consumption’, and ‘Food service industry’ were the major keywords before the COVID-19 outbreak, whereas ‘Wanju-gun’, ‘Distribution’, ‘Development’, and ‘Meal-kit’ were main keywords after the COVID-19 outbreak. The results of topic modeling analysis and categorization showed that after the COVID-19 outbreak, the ‘Market’ category included ‘Non-face-to-face market’ instead of ‘Event,’ and ‘Delivery’ instead of ‘Distribution’. In the ‘Product’ category, ‘Marketing’ was included instead of ‘Trend’. Additionally, in the ‘Support’ category, ‘Start-up’ and ‘School food service’ appeared as new topics after the COVID-19 outbreak. In conclusion, this study showed that meaningful change had occurred in market issues on HMR using local foods after the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, governments should take advantage of such market opportunity by implementing policy and programs to promote the development and marketing of HMR using local foods.

본 논문은 가정간편식(Home Meal Replacement, HMR) 이용경험과 만족도가 HMR 구매확대의향에 미치는 영향을 분석하는 데 목적이 있다. 이를 위해 2021년 실시한 가공식품 소비자태도조사(온라인조사) 데이터를 사용하였다. 분석 결과 HMR 이용 경험이 많을수록 향후 HMR 구매확대 가능성이 높은 것으로 나타났다. HMR에 대한 요인별 만족도의 경우, 맛과 편의성에 대한 만족도가 높을수록 HMR 구매의향이 높은 것으로 분석되었다. 따라서 식품 제조사와 유통사들은 특히 맛과 편의성에 대한 만족도를 중점적으로 높이기 위해 제품 개발 및 마케팅 전략을 수립할 필요가 있다.

This study was conducted to provide basic data for product development and marketing strategies for the Thai home meal replacement (HMR) market, to reflect the changing trends in household sizes in Thailand. The results of analyzing the characteristics and differences of HMR consumption behavior between single-person households and multi-person households in Thailand were as follows: It was found that single-person households use HMR to save money and for the convenience in cooking and preparation. In the preference by HMR type, multi-person households showed a higher preference for all types of products than single-person households. Thai consumers, regardless of their household size, mainly use department stores and large shopping malls to purchase HMR, and they most prefer to get information through Internet advertisements. The shelf life, quality, taste, hygiene, and freshness of HMR were the main considerations for their selection. Based on the results of this study, the Thai market requires the development of HMR products that are reasonable in terms of cost and preparation time. In addition, it is necessary to develop products that can satisfy consumer needs, such as nutritional enhancement and therapeutic foods, products that are organic, eco-friendly, cater to various menus, and address the premium segment.

The purpose of this study was to explore the marketability by developing a fresh HMR product for improving hyperlipidemia and dieting for elderly chronic disease patients and young people pursuing healthy beauty. The diet menu increased the ratio of fresh vegetables and mushrooms, and chicken breast and cheese were used as protein sources. By using whole grains, the supply of vitamins and minerals was strengthened while minimizing calories. Regarding the recipe, the diet menu was mainly prepared in the form of salads, risotto, and pasta. In the hyperlipidemia improvement menu, the proportion of fresh vegetables was increased, and as protein sources, pork shank, tofu, seafood, etc. with minimal fat were used. As a carbohydrate source, whole grains were mainly used to minimize calories while strengthening the supply of vitamins and minerals. In the recipe, it was prepared in the form of steamed or bibim-myeon, and it was also produced in a form such as paella. As a result, the developed menu was analyzed as low-calorie and evenly comprised of essential nutrients, which can satisfy palatability and nutrition.

This study was conducted to provide basic data for evolving a strategy for the development of Vietnam’s customized HMR program and formulating a marketing strategy by analyzing the characteristics and variations of HMR consumption behavior by household size. The results of the analysis were as follows: The number of single households using HMR as a general meal at home was higher than multiple-person households. Moreover, there was a high preference for ‘ready to heat’ and ‘ready to eat’ products, which are relatively easy to cook and prepare. It was observed that single households preferred department stores, hypermarkets, and convenience stores for purchasing HMR when compared to multiple households, and that single households preferred to acquire information through TV/radio and internet advertisements. Among the HMR selection attributes, single households valued taste, quantity, price, preparation process, preparation time, and ease of storage as important. Reflecting on the results of this study, when developing HMR in Vietnam, it is necessary to develop a product that can nutritionally replace the general meal with a focus on convenience. In addition, there is a need for products that possess various attributes such as convenience, health, and eco-friendliness.

This study analyzed consumer needs for the development of elderly-friendly HMR products in China. In developing the products, items needed to be improved, types and packages of the necessary products, additional improvements and food preferences were investigated. According to the demographic characteristics of elderly Chinese consumers, these was analyzed as well. A survey was conducted on a total of 370 elderly people, and data analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0 program. Items related to product quality safety, such as “marks of origin by ingredient”, “rich nutrients”, “expansion of letter size of packaging”, “rich nutrients” and “clear manufacturing date and expiration date”, were required to develop HMR products. The types of products that should be developed were porridge and noodles, and the packaging types that should be developed were eco-friendly packaging and recycled packaging. In addition, “low-calorie HMR”, “development of various seasonings”, “use of eco-friendly food ingredients” and “HMR to digest easily” should be improved. The demand for product improvement and food preference showed significant differences according to the degree of education, monthly income and oral health. The results were intended to prepare basic data for setting the direction when developing elderlyfriendly HMR.

This study surveyed Chinese elderly consumers to determine their purchasing behavior, importance, and satisfaction with HMR products in China. Three hundred and seventy people were surveyed: 184 males and 186 females aged 55 to 70 years. Two hundred and sixty-seven (72.25%) of the surveyed consumers had an average monthly income of 6,000 yuan or less, and 313 (84.9%) responded that they spend 3000 yuan or less on groceries per month. Three hundred and fortyeight (94.1%) showed a high interest in health management. Regarding the frequency of purchasing HMR products, most responded that they purchased HMR products more than once or twice a week, with a single purchase of 100 yuan or less for each purchase. The respondents preferred 2 or 3 serving packagings in a refrigerated form. For all forms of products, those made as in-house meals, outdoor meals, as a snack or night snack, for serving guests, for trips, camping, and on-thego products, the participants mostly responded that they frequently purchased the product. When purchasing HMR products, the importance of hygiene, convenience in purchase accessibility, the freshness of ingredients, and an indication of the nutritional content were considered as a high rank. After purchase, the satisfaction of SNS and mobile application advertisements and promotions, amount per serving, take out convenience, and new menu were considered low-rank. The IPA results showed that marking the origin of the ingredients and new menu are areas needing improvement. The study results may be used as base data for developing elderly friendly HMR products and establishing its marketing strategies.

본 연구에서는 국내 유통중인 가정간편식 샤브샤브 밀키트를 원료별(쇠고기, 숙주, 쌈추, 새송이버섯, 배추, 단호 박)로 구분하여 미생물 오염도를 알아보기 위해 일반세균수(total aerobic bacteria), 대장균군(coliform)/대장균(E. coli), 효모 및 진균류(fungi), 황색포도상구균(S. aureus), 및 바실러스세레우스(B. cereus)에 대한 정량적 분석을 실시하였다. 아울러, 살모넬라(Salmonella spp.)와 리스테리아 모노사이토제네스(L. monocytogenes)에 대한 정성적 분석을 실시하였다. 샤브샤브 밀키트 원료의 일반세균수(총균 수)는 3.98-6.50 log CFU/g로 검출되었다. 특히, 쇠고기의 경우 6 log CFU/g 이상의 균이 검출되었으며 숙주, 단호박, 배추의 경우 5 log CFU/g 이상의 균이 검출되었다. 진균류 (곰팡이/효모)의 오염도는 2.78-3.52 log CFU/g 수준으로 검출되었다. 대장균군은 일반세균수와 마찬가지로 쇠고기에서 3.28 log CFU/g으로 가장 높게 검출되었으며 기타 신선야채류의 경우 2 log CFU/g 수준으로 검출되었다. 대장균은 6가지 원료 모두에서 검출되지 않았다. S. aureus 는 쇠고기와 쌈추를 제외한 숙주, 배추, 새송이버섯, 단호박에서 1.33-1.71 log CFU/g의 수준으로 검출되었다. B. cereus는 쌈추를 제외한 모든 원료에서 1.15-2.01 log CFU/g 의 수준으로 검출되었다. L. monocytogenes는 새송이버섯을 제외하곤 모든 원료에서 25-50%의 양성검출을 보였고 Salmonella는 모든 원료에서 음성으로 나타났다. 본 연구 결과의 종합적 분석시, 쇠고기 원료에서 일반세균수와 대장균군 기준치를 초과하였고 황색포도상구균과 바실러스 세레우스는 대부분의 원료에서 식품안전을 위협할만한 위험한 수준은 아니었으나 검출되었고 저온성식중독균인 리스테리아모노사이토제네스 역시 일부 원료에서 양성을 보였기 때문에 본 제품의 원료별 생산단계에서의 살균·소독의 적절한 공정과 섭취시 충분한 열처리를 통해 잔존미 생물을 사멸하는 것이 긴요하다. 또한 조리기구 및 조리 종사원 손에 의해 최종 식품을 공정하면서 미생물이 전 파될 가능성이 있으므로 최종 식품의 안전성을 확보하기 위해 오염된 접촉면에 의한 교차오염을 최소화하며, 개인위생수준의 개선, 조리기기의 분리사용과 세척 및 소독을 통한 조리기기의 청결유지가 무엇보다도 중요하다. 아울러 본 연구의 미생물오염수준 자료는 가정간편식밀키트의 미생물위해평가(Microbial Risk Assessment) 의 기초자료로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

This study examined the nutrient content of HMR products and recipes by television chefs. Twelve menu items from the soup, stew, and broth category were chosen from HMR products and TV chef’s recipes. The data on the nutrition labeling from the HMR products and TV chef’s recipes were calculated using Can-Pro 5.0. The results of the analysis were the differences between the HMR products and TV recipes per serving size. The energy content of TV recipes 236.1 kcal was significantly higher than the HMR products. On the other hand, HMR products contained significantly higher sodium (926.9 mg) levels than the TV recipes (565.8 mg). In general, HMR products contained more sodium and less energy and protein than TV recipes. The highest sodium content containing products among the 12 menu items was the Spicy soft tofu stew (1,421.4 mg) from HMR products. The results revealed the significant differences in the macronutrient and sodium content between HMR products and the TV chef’s recipe. This study provides supportive data for the need to reduce the sodium content in HMR products. TV cooking programs should focus on the importance of balanced nutrition, how to reduce sodium intake, and how to achieve this without disrupting well-balanced nutrition.

Two experiments were conducted to determine how much sodium in food could be detected using a salinity meter. First, the salinity of mixed solutions of 0 to 6% sugar, 0 to 5% oil, and 0 to 6.4% MSG in a 1% NaCl solution was measured using a salinity meter and a Mohr titration method, and the results were compared with the calculated sodium expectations. As a result, the sodium contents of the sugar solutions and MSG solutions measured using a salinity meter were lower than the expected concentrations at 2% or more and 0.8% or more, respectively (p<0.05). The salinity of the 18 HMR products was measured in the same way, and the results were then compared with the sodium contents of the nutrition facts. The average sodium content of all products measured using the salinity meter and Mohr method was 1.12 times and 1.06 times the sodium content of the nutrition facts, respectively. On the other hand, the differences between the products were significant. The correlation coefficients between the nutrition facts and salinity meter, the nutrition facts and the Mohr method, and the salinity meter and Mohr method were 0.885, 0.920, and 0.950, respectively (p<0.01).

This study was designed as the precedent research to develop improve the HMR type flavored cooked rice, by analyzing the consumer perception and purchase pattern. This will in turn provide base data to that will help in the development of products that meet consumer’s convenience and quality demands. An online survey of 247 people (63.5%) in the age of 20 to 60 was conducted on January 2019. For the primary reason of buying those products, the survey respondents chose a convenience of 71.7%. They are likely to buy 1~2 times a month (40.5%) in hypermarkets (63.6%). The channel choice showed meaningful difference between segments (p<0.01). 89.1% of respondents replied that they are willing to purchase frozen flavored cooked rice in the future. The Key Purchasing factor appeared to be the flavor (5.80), while nutrition (4.89) was chosen as the least important factor. For flavor preference, sea food received the highest score (5.05), while radish kimchi flavor received the lowest (4.02) with a meaningful difference by gender and age (p<0.01). Consumers who sought nutrition, convenience and adventure in HMR products had higher willingness to re-purchase. Developing healthy, flavorful, sensory, and enjoyable HMR products will be critical in the fulfillment of diverse consumer needs.