the province of Gelderland during the first semester of
2001. Individuals were recruited through advertisements
in newspapers, supermarkets and students residences. During
a first telephonic conversation, in which details of the
study were provided, potential subjects were questioned
about socio-demographic indicators, frequency of food
acquisition and preparation, knowledge of meal solutions
and frequency of ready meal use. If they met the requirements
necessary for participation—be in charge of household
meals and sufficiently knowledgeable about different
meal solutions—an appointment for a 2-h interview was
made. Since we were also interested to learn why Dutch
consumers do not resort to manufactured ready meals
more often (Costa et al., 2002b; Voedingscentrum, 2000),
both frequent and infrequent users of this type of meal
solution were included in the sample. Finally, and to be
able to investigate the motivations of different consumer
segments, a wide age spectrum (P20 years old) was observed
during recruitment.