In three separate metabolic balance studies, the repetitive serving of a liquid, fresh food, and experimental bite-sized, compressed and dehydrated diet was evaluated by means of a graduated hedonic scale for organoleptic acceptability for extended periods of time. A liquid diet, having a low degree of initial acceptability, become monotonous when served for twenty-one days. However, both the one-day cycle menu of fresh foods and the two-day cycle menu of experimental foods remained acceptable over periods of forty-two and thirty days, respectively. Since significant differences among individuals has been demonstrated, and because repetition does not necessarily result in decreased acceptance, more emphasis should be placed on the variation in food preferences of individuals. Perhaps dietitians and homemakers could benefit by using a simple food preference questionnaire, prior to actual menu planning, to ascertain the preferences of the individuals they are responsible for feeding. In relation to the acceptability of individual food items on the fresh diet, it was found that all beverages, peaches, brownies and poundcake, and sliced turkey contributed most to the high acceptability of this diet. (Author).