Analysis of factors affecting household food consumption away from home in Türkiye

Abstract

One of the most important changes in consumer food consumption habits in recent years is the trend toward food consumption away from home (FAFH). The effects of socioeconomic and demographic factors on FAFH expenditure and consumption decisions were jointly investigated using the inverse hyperbolic sine double-hurdle (IHS-DH) model, and household survey data consisting of 1655 consumers in 14 cities in Türkiye. According to the results, the consumer being a male, having a high school or university diploma, an extra person generating income outside the family head, having children under the age of 18, and having high income increased the likelihood of consuming FAFH. However, the probability of FAFH consumption spending decreases with the variables of the consumer age, seasonal variables, geographical regions, and family size. On the other hand, consumers’ unconditional FAFH consumption expenditure increases when the variables of male, high school or university diploma, internet, children under the age of 18, and visiting shopping centers frequently. However, the presence of regular meals in the family decreases FAFH consumption. This research sheds light on the nuanced interplay of various socioeconomic and demographic factors shaping consumer behaviors regarding FAFH consumption, thereby offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the food industry.