Appetite, 1999, 32, 86–92 Article No. appe.1998.0200, available online at http://www.idealibrary.com on Evaluation of Eating Patterns with Different Methods: The Polish Experience B. KOWRYGO, H. GO ´ RSKA-WARSEWICZ and S. BERGER Warsaw Agricultural University SGGW The implementation of a market economy at the beginning of the 1990s has changed Polish consumers. This paper describes results of different methods which are used to evaluate food consumption, including eating patterns, in this time of transition. Except for the significant decrease of dairy products and increase of vegetable oils the pattern of the menu in Poland remains very traditional. The differences between the previous and present situation are based on changes in the or- ganization of shopping and the possibilities of preparing meals.  1999 Academic Press I The implementation of a market economy at the beginning of the 1990s has significantly changed Polish consumers. Despite a wide choice of products and services, the average Polish family is economically aware and cautious in its decision- making processes in the present situation. The purpose of our study was to describe the results of different methods which are used to evaluate food consumption, including eating patterns, as well as to identify consumer preferences and food habits in this new market economy. M Data on food consumption were obtained from food balance sheets and household budgets. Data on eating patterns and food habits were collected in individual surveys. Food balance sheets estimate quantities of food available for consumption and do not describe the quantities which are actually consumed. Estimates are based on the concept that the total quantity of food produced added to the total quantity imported, and adjusted for changes in stocks, equals the total available supply. The amount available for human consumption is estimated by subtracting the quantities exported, fed to livestock, put to manufacture or lost during storage and transport. Food consumption per capita is calculated by dividing the amount available for human consumption by the total number of inhabitants. Food balance sheets can Contribution to the IUNS Committee II/2 Symposium on “Methodology to Identify and to Assess Eating Patterns”. Address correspondence to: Barbara Kowrygo, Warsaw Agricultural University SGGW, 02-787 Warszawa, ul. Nowoursynowska 166, Poland. 0195–6663/99/010086+07 $30.00/0  1999 Academic Press