Food Neophobia Scale (FNS-10)

Standardized scientific assessment of food neophobia

⏱️ 5 minutes Difficulty: Easy (2/10)

Food Neophobia Scale (FNS-10)

⏱️ Takes approximately 5 minutes

Question 1 of 10

What is Food Neophobia?

Food neophobia is the fear or reluctance to try new or unfamiliar foods. It's a trait that exists on a spectrum, with some people being highly neophobic (avoiding most new foods) and others being neophilic (seeking out new food experiences). This assessment uses the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS-10), a scientifically validated tool developed by Pliner and Hobden in 1992.

Why This Matters

Food neophobia can significantly impact dietary variety, nutrition, and social eating experiences. Understanding your level of food neophobia can help you:

  • Recognize patterns in your eating behavior
  • Understand why you may avoid certain foods
  • Develop strategies to gradually expand your food acceptance
  • Improve your social eating experiences

About the FNS-10 Scale

The Food Neophobia Scale (FNS-10) is the gold-standard scientific measure of food neophobia. It was developed by Pliner and Hobden in 1992 and has been validated in over 50 research studies. The scale has high reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.79-0.89) and is widely used in food psychology research.

The scale consists of 10 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale. Five items are reverse-scored to ensure accurate measurement. Your score is normalized to a 0-100 scale, with higher scores indicating greater food neophobia.

Interpreting Your Score

Not (0-24): Low Food Neophobia

You have minimal fear of new foods and are comfortable trying unfamiliar foods. You likely enjoy exploring new cuisines and restaurants. This is a healthy eating pattern that supports good nutrition and social flexibility.

Mild (25-49): Mild Food Neophobia

You have some hesitation about trying new foods but are generally open to new experiences. You may prefer familiar foods but can be encouraged to try new things in comfortable settings.

Moderate (50-74): Moderate Food Neophobia

You have noticeable reluctance to try new foods. You may avoid unfamiliar restaurants or dishes, and this can impact your dietary variety. With targeted strategies, you can gradually expand your food acceptance.

High (75-100): High Food Neophobia

You have significant fear of new foods. This may significantly limit your dietary variety and social eating experiences. Professional support and structured intervention may be beneficial to help you gradually expand your food acceptance.

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider professional help if your food neophobia: significantly limits your dietary variety (fewer than 15-20 foods), causes nutritional deficiencies, severely impacts your social life, or causes significant distress. A registered dietitian or feeding therapist can provide personalized strategies to help you expand your food acceptance gradually.

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between food neophobia and picky eating?

Food neophobia specifically refers to fear of new foods, while picky eating is a broader term that can include neophobia as well as other factors like sensory sensitivities, taste preferences, and behavioral patterns.

Can food neophobia be overcome?

Yes, food neophobia can be reduced through gradual exposure, food chaining (trying similar foods), and structured interventions. Many people successfully expand their food acceptance with time and effort.

Is the FNS-10 scientifically validated?

Yes, the FNS-10 is a well-validated scientific scale used in over 50 research studies. It has high reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.79-0.89) and is considered the gold-standard measure of food neophobia.