Beliefs about the satiating effect of foods varying in contents of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fibre were investigated by face-to-face interviews with a random telephone sample of 101 subjects. Respondents were presented with photographs of two slices of bread covered with common spreads. Fibre level was manipulated by using white bread or wholemeal bread. Levels of proteins, fats and carbohydrates were manipulated by using different kinds of spread. Low and high levels of proteins, fats and carbohydrates had similar energy contents. The results showed that protein-rich spreads (lean meat products) and high-fibre (wholemeal) bread were believed to have a strong satiating effect. The satiating effect of high-fat spreads (butter, bacon) was believed to be much smaller, whereas the sweet carbohydrate spreads (jam, honey) were believed to have no satiating effect.