Rachel Smith

Dr Rachel Smith is an Early Career Researcher at the University of Reading. Rachel completed her PhD exploring food promotion to children and its effects on their eating behaviours at the University of Wollongong in Australia. She has since taken up a position as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the Sensory Science Centre within Food and Nutritional Sciences. Her specific area of research involves the development of novel and healthy food products, from a consumer and co-creation perspective, for a variety of EU and UK funded projects. She also has expertise in the broader food environment and has led ‘nudging’ studies with the Menus of Change Research Collaborative at Reading to encourage students to eat a healthier and more sustainable diet.

Recent publications:

Grasso, S., Rondoni, A., Bari, R., Smith, R., Mansilla, N., Effect of information on consumers’ sensory evaluation of beef, plant-based and hybrid beef burgers, Food Quality and Preference. (2021)

Chivers, C., Bliss, K., de Boon, A., Lishman, L., Schillings, J., Smith, R. and Rose, D. (2021) Videos and podcasts for delivering agricultural extension: achieving credibility, relevance, legitimacy and accessibility. Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension.

Smith, R., Kelly, B., Yeatman, H., Moore, C., Baur, L., King, L., Boyland, E., Chapman, K., Hughes, C. and Bauman, A., (2020). Advertising placement in digital game design influences children’s choices of advertised snacks: a randomized trial. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

Smith, R.; Kelly, B.; Yeatman, H.; Johnstone, S.; Baur, L.; King, L.; Boyland, E.; Chapman, K.; Hughes, C.; Bauman, A. (2019). Skin conductance responses indicate children are physiologically aroused by their favourite branded food and drink products. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health,16, 3014. 

Smith R, Kelly B, Yeatman H, & Boyland E. (2019). Food marketing influences children’s attitudes, preferences and consumption: A systematic critical review. Nutrients, 11 (4), 875.