Explore the complete Food and Nutrition WAEC syllabus 2026/2027, including topics, practical exam requirements, study tips, and career opportunities for students.
The Food and Nutrition WAEC syllabus 2026/2027 serves as an official guide for students preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Food and Nutrition is a practical and theoretical subject that focuses on healthy eating, food preparation, meal planning, hygiene, and consumer education. It equips students with life skills, academic knowledge, and career foundations in nutrition, catering, and health-related fields.
This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the Food and Nutrition WAEC syllabus, including objectives, detailed topics, examination format, practical requirements, preparation tips, and career opportunities.
Food and Nutrition WAEC Syllabus 2026/2027
What Is Food and Nutrition?
Food and Nutrition is the study of food nutrients, meal planning, food preparation, food safety, and the relationship between diet and health. The subject combines science and practical skills to help students understand how proper nutrition supports growth, development, and overall well-being.
In WAEC, Food and Nutrition emphasizes:
Nutrients and their functions
Food preparation and cookery
Meal planning for different groups
Food hygiene and safety
Consumer education
Objectives of the Food and Nutrition WAEC Syllabus 2026/2027
The syllabus aims to help students:
Understand the importance of food and nutrition to human health
Identify different classes of nutrients and their sources
Develop practical cooking and food preparation skills
Practice food hygiene and safety
Plan balanced meals for individuals and families
Apply nutrition knowledge to everyday life
Prepare for further education and careers in nutrition-related fields
Structure of the Food and Nutrition WAEC Syllabus
The food and Nutrition waec syllabus consists of theory and practical components, both of which are compulsory in the WAEC examination.
Detailed Food and Nutrition WAEC Syllabus 2026/2027
1. Introduction to Food and Nutrition
Meaning and scope of food and nutrition
Importance of food to human life
Relationship between food, nutrition, and health
2. Nutrients and Their Functions
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Fats and oils
Vitamins
Minerals
Water and dietary fiber
Sources and functions of each nutrient
Effects of nutrient deficiency
3. Digestion and Absorption of Food
Meaning of digestion
Digestive system and organs
Functions of digestive organs
Absorption and assimilation of nutrients
4. Food Groups and Balanced Diet
Food groups
Meaning of a balanced diet
Importance of a balanced diet
Factors affecting food choices
5. Meal Planning
Meaning of meal planning
Principles of meal planning
Meal planning for different age groups
Meal planning for special needs (pregnant women, children, elderly)
6. Food Preparation and Cookery
Methods of cooking (boiling, frying, steaming, baking, roasting)
Effects of cooking on food nutrients
Use and care of kitchen equipment
Time and energy management in cooking
7. Food Hygiene and Safety
Meaning of food hygiene
Personal hygiene
Kitchen hygiene
Food contamination and food poisoning
Prevention of food-borne diseases
8. Food Storage and Preservation
Meaning of food storage
Methods of food storage
Food preservation methods (drying, freezing, refrigeration, canning)
Advantages and disadvantages of preservation methods
9. Consumer Education
Meaning of consumer education
Wise buying of food items
Reading food labels
Budgeting and spending wisely
10. Special Diets
Meaning of special diets
Diets for infants and children
Diets for pregnant and nursing mothers
Diets for the sick and elderly
11. Convenience Foods
Meaning of convenience foods
Advantages and disadvantages
Proper use of convenience foods
12. Table Setting and Food Service
Meaning of table setting
Types of table setting
Food service styles
Table etiquette
WAEC Food and Nutrition Practical Examination
The practical exam tests students’ hands-on skills in food preparation and presentation.
Practical areas include:
Meal preparation
Food presentation
Kitchen hygiene practices
Time management
Use of cooking equipment
Students are assessed based on:
Neatness and hygiene
Skill and technique
Taste and texture of food
Presentation and organization
WAEC Food and Nutrition Examination Format
The WAEC Food and Nutrition examination usually consists of:
Paper 1: Objective
Multiple-choice questions
Covers the entire syllabus
Paper 2: Theory
Short-answer questions
Essay questions
Paper 3: Practical
Food preparation and presentation
How to Prepare for Food and Nutrition WAEC 2026/2027
Study the WAEC Food and Nutrition syllabus carefully
Practice cooking regularly at home or in school kitchens
Revise nutrients and their functions thoroughly
Learn correct food hygiene practices
Practice meal planning questions
Use past WAEC questions for revision
Manage time effectively during practical exams
SEE ALSO:
Fisheries waec syllabus 2026/2027: Complete Overview
Forestry waec syllabus 2026/2027: Complete Overview
Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid
Poor kitchen hygiene
Incorrect measurement of ingredients
Poor food presentation
Ignoring theory preparation
Poor time management during practicals
Career Opportunities in Food and Nutrition
Food and Nutrition offers many career opportunities, including:
Nutritionist
Dietitian
Caterer
Food technologist
Home economics teacher
Food service manager
Importance of Food and Nutrition to Society
Food and Nutrition contributes to:
Improved public health
Prevention of malnutrition
Healthy family living
Economic development
Skill acquisition and self-employment
Conclusion
The Food and Nutrition WAEC syllabus 2026/2027 provides students with essential knowledge and practical skills for healthy living and career development. With proper preparation, regular practice, and a clear understanding of the syllabus, students can perform excellently in the WAEC examination and apply the knowledge in real life.
