Food Neophobia Scale (FNS)

The Food Neophobia Scale is a 10-item self-report instrument measuring the degree to which individuals are reluctant or fearful of trying new foods. Developed by Pliner and Hobden in 1992, the FNS measures food neophobia—an aversion to unfamiliar foods—which is influenced by both evolutionary factors (caution toward unknown foods) and learned behaviors. The scale is widely used in nutrition, food science, and psychology research examining dietary diversity, food acceptance, and barriers to healthy eating.