CONSUMPTION RITUALS AFFECT INDIVIDUALS EATING AND DRINKING PREFERENCES

Abstract

Literature review of eating and drinking rituals reveals that the consumption of different dishes in a particular order during a meal, the way food is consumed, lighting candles on a birthday cake, the steps involved in making Turkish coffee or Japanese tea are categorized as consumption rituals. However, there is no research directly investigating consumption rituals in Türkiye on individuals. Thus, it is an important question that remains unanswered as to how much consumption rituals affect individuals' eating and drinking preferences in Türkiye. In this context, the aim of the study is to examine individuals' eating and drinking preferences in the context of consumption rituals. By using qualitative research methods, the case study design was used in this study, and the participants' group (8 women and 6 men) was determined by the easy sampling method. Semi-structured interview techniques were used to collect data, and the content analysis method of thematic analysis was used to evaluate the data obtained. As a result of the data obtained from the statements of the research participants, three themes were formed: Place contact, Equipment contact, and Consumption form. When the research findings were analysed within the scope of these themes, it was determined that eating and drinking preferences were influenced by factors such as the location, the equipment used for eating and drinking (cup, fork, spoon, etc.), and the characteristics of the food consumed. In conclusion, eating and drinking preferences are influenced by consumption rituals, and it is recommended that consumption rituals be taken into consideration when planning diets.