Investigating Neophobia Towards New Food Technologies in Italy: The CoNF&TTI Cross-Sectional Study

Food technology neophobia (FTN), defined as the reluctance to accept or consume foods produced with novel or emerging food technologies, represents a psychological barrier to the adoption of sustainable and innovative dietary practices. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of food technology neophobia and its associated factors among Italian university students. Methods: A total of 1788 undergraduates from 13 universities completed a validated online questionnaire between February and October 2024. The instrument included the Food Technology Neophobia Scale (FTNS), environmental attitude items, and demographic and dietary questions. Results: The mean FTNS score was 51.2 ± 14.0, suggesting moderate levels of neophobia. Multivariate logistic regression identified several factors inversely associated with neophobia: male gender (OR = 0.73, p = 0.003), paternal university education (OR = 0.73, p = 0.024), studying in Northern Italy (OR = 0.64, p < 0.001), dietary supplement use (OR = 0.74, p = 0.003), and proenvironmental attitudes (OR = 0.97, p < 0.001). Conversely, being a commuter student was associated with increased neophobia (OR = 1.29, p = 0.031). Conclusions: These findings highlight the influence of socio-demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal factors on the acceptance of new food technologies. Tailored strategies are recommended to address FTN in specific subgroups, particularly among female, commuter, and Southern Italian students, o enhance receptivity to food innovation and support sustainable dietary transitions.