Abstract

With the aim of detecting differences in eating habits with respect to the main types of meat available according to the consumer's socio demographic characteristics, a personal survey was administered to a sample of 770 usual meat buyers in supermarkets of the main cities ofthe Regions of Bio-Bio and the Araucania. Chicken and beef are both consumed in high proportion, but the frequency of beef consumption is greater. Socio demographic characteristics determined greater differences in the frequency than in the particular type of meat. Age and socioeconomic group were the variables where an increased number of significant differences in consumption were identified. The greatest number of significant differences in consumption frequency was distinguished according to occupation and age. Of lesser importance were gender, the presence of children in the home and the area of residence.