This report presents the findings from a qualitative, formative research study on the food preferences of and cultural/religious prohibitions for women of reproductive age, children 6–23 months, and adolescent girls in selected regions of mainland Tanzania.

Variation in food taboos and restrictions related to norms and misconceptions among pregnant women, children, postpartum and lactating mothers, and adolescent girls exists in studied communities in both urban and rural areas. Elderly and peer advice based on the perceived benefit or harm of food items, and in adolescents, socialisation, perpetuates them.