Food Enhancers Usage in Home Food Preparation among the Young Working Women in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study

This paper explores the usage of food enhancers in food preparation among young working women in Malaysia. In this qualitative study, the study informants were drafted using purposive snowball strategy to take part in a semi-structured interview. The data were recorded and analysed accordingly to the research aims. Majority of the informants claimed that they used food enhancer to enhance the flavour and taste of the food while reducing cooking time, minimise preparation processes and time spent in the kitchen. As they understand the effect of food enhancers, the informants claimed they do try to avoid the usage of food enhancers and only will opt it whenever their cooking time is scarce. The study contributes to a growing literature on the consumption of food enhancers among the young generation. Its findings reinforce the need for public awareness to promote controlled consumption of food enhancers and additives, especially among modern households.