ObjectiveTo assess WIC participants' knowledge, attitudes, perceived barriers and perceived benefits associated with eating nuts.MethodsA survey was administered to 124 WIC participants. Participants were on average 28 years old and almost exclusively (96%) female. Thirty‐seven percent of the respondents were African American, 51.6% Caucasian, and 9.6% other.ResultsRespondents' had generally low knowledge (average 20% out of 100%) of the health benefits of nuts. Only about one forth of participants were aware that nuts may help reduce diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk. However, 78% correctly identified nuts as a good source of omega‐3 fatty acids. More than one third believed that eating nuts will cause weight gain. The statement "I would eat nuts on most days of a week if my doctor recommended me to do so" received the strongest agreement score (2.11), whereas the statement "I would eat nuts on most days of the week if they were lower in calories" received the strongest disagreement mean score (3.74). Other factors identified as influencing intake included affordability, and seeking nutrient and fiber.ConclusionWIC participants' knowledge of the health effects of nuts is low highlighting an opportunity to educate on the benefits of nut consumption.

The objective of this study was to assess beliefs (e.g. advantages, disadvantages, benefits, barriers) and knowledge about eating peanuts and tree nuts. Personal interviews based on the Theory of Planned Behavior were conducted to elicit beliefs about eating nuts. Then, a cross-sectional survey was administered to WIC participants from one county in North Carolina. One-hundred-twenty-four WIC participants (mean (SD) age=28.39 (8.09) completed the study. Most were Caucasian (51.6%) females (96%). About one third believed that eating nuts may help to lower cholesterol level. However, only about one forth believed that nuts can lower a risk of a heart attack or diabetes. More than one third believed that eating nuts will cause weight gain. The knowledge of respondents' about nutrient content of nuts was low with correct answers to most questions about 20% or below. The mean (SD) positive attitude, negative attitude, benefits and barriers scores, based on a range from 1 to 5, were 2.53 (0.91), 3.25 (0.89), 2.97 (0.85) and 2.90 (0.76), respectively. WIC participants' beliefs regarding the health effects of nuts are inconsistent with the most recent research findings. They are in a need to education about benefits of eating nuts.