Objective: The present study investigates the feasibility and challenges using tracking smartphone devices and mobile SMS technology in dietary data collection. And conducting in practical setting among students from 7th and 9th grade students in Lynge School to explore their eating behavior in relation with available foodscapes.

Methods: Data were collected using three methods; Questionnaire, tracking smartphones and mobile SMS survey. Questionnaire included two parts, student’s socio economic status and their dietary patterns (food buying place and eating food items) during lunchtime. Tracking smartphones were through installing three devices in three food outlets available in school foodscapes. MAC addresses and mobile numbers received form participant students were filtered in the web control operational system. Tracking data were extracted and collected from log files only during lunchtime. Mobile SMS survey was conducted in two system: online and collectively. Web control operating system visualized online MAC addresses and instant SMS questions were sent individually or collectively through web control operational system regarding their purchasing and eating behavior. Data were analyzed in SPSS using correlation, and general linear model.

Result: The result indicated the association between gender and class in bringing foods from home or going out during lunchtime. 9th grade boys would go out to buy pizza from outside food outlets whereas 7th grade students bring food form home more often. Correlation between questionnaire, tracking and SMS data was not significance, which indicated less accuracy in response from students in questionnaire and tracking and mobile SMS survey. But the use of tracking as method for data collection was discussed in the paper.

Conclusion: This study investigated the need of policy in macro system, from school administration in selling food in canteen to change the dietary habits among students. Additionally, despite of some practical challenges of using tracking smartphones with SMS technology, it can be used as an effective tool in collecting dietary data with certain precautions. Furthermore, more study is needed in order to invent validate and reliable of using tracking and SMS technology as method in data collection.