What is the primary reason people choose the foods that they eat?

Generally, taste is the primary reason people choose which foods they want to eat. However, more women than men choose foods based on their nutritional value rather than on taste alone.

Most people know what they like and what they don't like and consistently choose foods based on their taste.

Everyone has specific foods they turn to when they're feeling stressed, sad or in need of pampering. These comfort foods differ greatly between men and women. Comfort foods for men tend to be entrees like pizza and pasta. Women veer toward quick comfort foods such as cookies, ice cream and candy.

Other factors that influence peoples' food choices include culture, religion, economics and social influences.