Self-Reported Duration of Adherence to a Plant-Based Diet Is Associated With Better Food Purchasing Habits and Behaviors Related to Food Availability

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess self-reported differences in food purchasing habits and diet-consistent food availability among recent vs. long-term plant-based diet (PBD) followers compared to those who are not actively following a specific diet but report “trying to eat healthy” (TTEH). MethodsThe sample consisted of PBD (n = 1820, whole-food plant based/vegan) and TTEH (n = 292) followers enrolled in Adhering to Dietary Approaches for Personal Taste (ADAPT), an online study conducted in self-identified popular diet followers. PBD followers were classified as recent (RF) (<2 years, n = 723) or long-term followers (LF) (2 + years, n = 1097). We compared food shopping habits, grocery expenses, and perceived influence of the food environment between RF and LF, as well as to those who self-identified as TTEH (69% reported TTEH for 5 + years). ANCOVA was used to compare the groups adjusting for age and sex. ResultsMean BMI was significantly higher in the TTEH (26.3 kg/m2) compared to RF (24.9 kg/m2) and LF (23.0 kg/m2). The majority of all responders (97%) reported they independently shop and prepare food, and 93% reported that it is “extremely easy” to find foods consistent with their diet. A significantly greater proportion of LF compared to RF (91% vs. 86%, P = 0.003) reported food in the home as ‘extremely consistent’ with their diet vs. only 67% of TTEH (P < 0.0001). Sixty-one % of LF, 76% of RF and 93% of TTEH reported having inconsistent food in the home, with 56%, 65% and 88%, respectively, identifying themselves as bringing this food into the home (P < 0.001 for all). No significant differences were observed in reported mean grocery expenses; however, compared to LF and RF, TTEH spent significantly more on meals/snacks purchased outside the home ($54 and $42, respectively). Further adjustment for physical activity, education, marital status and BMI did not alter the findings. ConclusionsIndividuals following PBD reported greater consistency in the home food environment and lower expenses on food and snacks purchased outside the home compared to TTEH. Cultivating a consistent food environment may help individuals sustain healthier dietary patterns. Funding SourcesUSDA Cooperative Agreements 58–8050-9–004 and 58–8050-9–003, General Mills Bell Institute of Health & Nutrition.