Research shows that Hispanic college students report significantly less knowledge about healthy eating compared to non-Hispanic students, with 64% of Hispanic students admitting they do not know what foods are healthy. According to Gram Research analysis, Hispanic students also eat fewer fruits (1.2 versus 1.4 servings daily) and rely more on processed foods and beef as their main protein source, suggesting they need better nutrition education and support.
A new study of 313 college students found important differences in how Hispanic and non-Hispanic students eat and what they know about nutrition. Hispanic American students reported less knowledge about which foods are healthy, ate fewer fruits, and relied more on processed foods and beef as their main protein. Non-Hispanic students had better access to fresh foods and seemed more confident about their food choices. According to Gram Research analysis, these gaps suggest that Hispanic students may need more education and support to make healthier eating decisions during their college years.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional survey of 313 college students found that 64% of Hispanic American students reported lacking knowledge about which foods are healthy, compared to a significantly lower percentage among non-Hispanic students.
Hispanic college students consumed an average of 1.2 servings of fruit per day compared to 1.4 servings among non-Hispanic students, according to a 2026 study of 313 undergraduates.
In a 2026 survey of 313 college students, 41.5% of Hispanic American students identified beef as their main protein source, compared to only 28.1% of non-Hispanic students.
A 2026 study of 313 college students found that 64% of Hispanic American students regularly ate processed foods, compared to 50.6% of non-Hispanic students who reported eating fresh foods regularly.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether Hispanic and non-Hispanic college students have different eating habits and different levels of knowledge about healthy food choices.
- Who participated: 313 college students aged 18 to 35 in the United States: 135 Hispanic American students and 178 non-Hispanic American students who completed an online survey about their food choices.
- Key finding: Hispanic American college students reported significantly less knowledge about what foods are healthy compared to non-Hispanic students, and they ate fewer servings of fruit daily (1.2 versus 1.4 servings per day).
- What it means for you: If you are a Hispanic college student, you are not alone if you feel confused about healthy eating. This research shows that many students from your background face similar challenges, which means schools and health programs should create better nutrition education specifically designed for Hispanic students.
The Research Details
Researchers asked 313 college students to fill out an online survey about what they eat and what they know about nutrition. The survey included questions about their daily food choices, what barriers they face when trying to eat healthy, and how confident they feel about knowing which foods are good for them. The students were divided into two groups: 135 who identified as Hispanic American and 178 who identified as non-Hispanic American. By comparing the answers from both groups, the researchers could see if there were meaningful differences in eating habits and nutrition knowledge.
This type of study is called a cross-sectional survey, which means researchers collected information from both groups at the same time rather than following them over months or years. The researchers used statistical tests to figure out whether the differences they found were real or just happened by chance.
Understanding why different groups of students eat differently is important because it helps schools and health programs create better support. If Hispanic students face unique barriers to healthy eating, then giving them the same generic nutrition advice as everyone else probably will not work. This research identifies specific gaps in knowledge and access that can be addressed with targeted programs.
This study surveyed a reasonable number of students (313 total) and used an online format that made it easy for students to participate. However, the study only captured information at one point in time, so we cannot know if these patterns stay the same or change over time. The survey relied on students reporting their own eating habits, which means some answers might not be completely accurate. The study did not measure actual food intake or observe what students actually ate, just what they reported eating.
What the Results Show
Hispanic American college students reported significantly less knowledge about which foods are healthy. When asked about barriers to eating well, 64% of Hispanic students said they did not know what foods were healthy, compared to a smaller percentage of non-Hispanic students. This difference was statistically significant, meaning it was unlikely to happen by chance.
Hispanic students also ate fewer servings of fruit each day. On average, Hispanic students consumed 1.2 servings of fruit per day, while non-Hispanic students consumed 1.4 servings per day. Although this difference might seem small, it adds up over time and suggests Hispanic students are getting less of the vitamins and fiber that fruit provides.
The two groups also chose different types of protein. About 41.5% of Hispanic students said beef was their main protein source, compared to only 28.1% of non-Hispanic students. This is important because beef is often higher in saturated fat than other protein options like chicken, fish, or beans.
Finally, the students differed in whether they ate fresh or processed foods. More Hispanic students (64%) reported eating processed foods regularly, while more non-Hispanic students (50.6%) said they ate fresh foods. Processed foods are often higher in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats compared to fresh foods.
The research suggests that access to fresh foods may be different between these two groups of students. Non-Hispanic students had higher rates of eating fresh foods, which could mean they have better access to grocery stores with fresh produce or more money to buy fresh items. The study also hints that cultural food preferences play a role, since beef was much more common as a main protein source among Hispanic students.
Earlier research has shown that Hispanic Americans in general face barriers to healthy eating, including lower income, less access to grocery stores with fresh produce, and different cultural food traditions. This study confirms that these same barriers show up among college students. However, this is one of the first studies to specifically look at nutrition knowledge gaps among Hispanic college students, so it adds new information about how education and awareness differ between groups.
This study only looked at students at one point in time, so we cannot say whether these eating patterns change over the college years or stay the same. The study relied on students reporting what they eat, which might not be completely accurate because people sometimes forget what they ate or report what they think they should eat rather than what they actually eat. The study did not measure actual food intake or body weight changes. We also do not know if the differences found are because of lack of knowledge, lack of money, lack of access to healthy foods, or cultural preferences. The study did not explore these reasons in detail.
The Bottom Line
Hispanic college students should seek out nutrition education programs that are designed for their cultural background and food preferences. Schools should provide more nutrition counseling and cooking classes that teach how to make traditional foods in healthier ways. Students should try to increase fruit intake to at least 1.5 servings per day and explore protein sources beyond beef, such as beans, chicken, and fish. These recommendations are based on solid research showing real differences in eating patterns, though more studies are needed to test whether these specific changes actually improve health outcomes.
Hispanic college students and their families should pay attention to these findings, as they show specific areas where this group faces challenges. College health centers, dining services, and nutrition programs should use this information to create better support for Hispanic students. Non-Hispanic students can also benefit from the general message that eating more fresh foods and fruit is important. However, these findings apply specifically to college students in the United States and may not apply to Hispanic students in other countries or to Hispanic Americans who are not in college.
Changing eating habits takes time. If a Hispanic college student starts eating more fruit and exploring different protein sources, they might notice more energy and better digestion within 2 to 4 weeks. Longer-term benefits like better weight management and lower disease risk typically take 3 to 6 months to become noticeable. The most important thing is to start with small, manageable changes rather than trying to change everything at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Hispanic college students eat differently than other college students?
Yes. Research from a 2026 survey of 313 students shows Hispanic college students eat fewer fruits (1.2 versus 1.4 servings daily), rely more on processed foods, and choose beef as their main protein more often than non-Hispanic students do.
Why do Hispanic students know less about healthy eating?
The study did not explore the reasons, but earlier research suggests barriers include lower access to fresh grocery stores, less money to buy fresh foods, and different cultural food traditions. Better nutrition education programs designed for Hispanic students could help close this knowledge gap.
What should Hispanic college students do to eat healthier?
Try eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, explore protein sources beyond beef like beans and chicken, and reduce processed foods. Start with small changes, such as adding one extra fruit serving per day or trying one new healthy recipe each week.
How much fruit should college students eat each day?
Health experts recommend at least 1.5 to 2 servings of fruit daily. The 2026 study found Hispanic students averaged only 1.2 servings, so increasing intake could provide more vitamins and fiber for better health.
Is this study only about Hispanic students?
The study compared Hispanic and non-Hispanic college students to find differences. While the findings highlight specific challenges for Hispanic students, the general message about eating more fresh foods and fruit applies to all college students.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log daily fruit and vegetable servings for one week to establish a baseline, then set a goal to increase fruit intake from 1.2 to at least 1.5 servings per day. Track this weekly to see progress.
- Use the app to find and save recipes for healthy meals that fit your cultural food preferences. Search for recipes that use beans, chicken, or fish as protein instead of beef, and try one new recipe each week.
- Set weekly reminders to log your main protein sources and note whether you ate fresh or processed foods. Review your patterns monthly to identify which days or situations make it harder to eat fresh foods, then plan ahead for those times.
This research describes differences in eating habits and nutrition knowledge between groups of college students but does not prove that one group’s diet is better or worse for health. Individual results vary based on many factors including genetics, overall lifestyle, and medical history. If you have concerns about your diet or nutrition, speak with a doctor, registered dietitian, or qualified healthcare provider who can give personalized advice based on your specific health needs. This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or nutritional advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.