Gender and generation as antecedents of food neophobia and food neophilia

Abstract This study aims to explore differences between genders and generational cohorts with regard to avoidance of new foods (food neophobia) and overt willingness to try novel foods (food neophilia). Based on the omnivore's paradox, six hypotheses were proposed and data collected via questionnaires distributed to Chinese travelers from four different cities in China. The study concluded that gender and generation are highly significant antecedents to our initial hypotheses. Specific theoretical and practical implications in relation to food/culinary tourism, food consumption, and food neophobia/neophilia are offered.