Food Purchases Research Articles

Navigating barriers to organic food purchase intention: a mixed method longitudinal approach in emerging market

PurposeThis study investigates barriers to consumers’ organic food purchasing. It identifies the factors and the extent to which they influence their purchase behaviours and future purchase intentions (i.e. continuance purchase intentions).Design/methodology/approachIt combines qualitative and quantitative methods across two phases. Longitudinal research was carried out in two phases. It involved a thematic analysis and a covariance-based structural equation modelling approach. During Phase-1 and Phase-2, responses were collected from 376 and 351 respondents, respectively.FindingsPhase 1 found the value barrier was significantly affecting the consumers’ purchase intention, while Phase 2 identified the impacts from both image and value barriers on purchase intentions. Notably, purchase intention affected continuance intention in both phases, while ethnocentrism showed no influence.Originality/valueUsing the innovation resistance theory, this study sheds light on the factors that prevent purchase intention. It offers valuable insights for policymakers and for the marketers of organic foods. This contribution implies that value and usage barriers were affecting the consumers’ purchase intentions in the short as well as in the long term. In sum, it suggests that consumers were not purchasing organic food as they felt it was either overpriced, not available in the market or because they were sceptical about its organic labelling.

Influence of consumers' health risk perception of unwholesome foods on the purchase of pre-packaged foods

Packing food has been around for a long time. Food safety rules become increasingly important in the policy as people's lives and consumption patterns evolve. Everyone is always worried about food safety since it is an essential issue in public health. A systematic questionnaire was utilised to collect information from Sunyani people of Ghana to validate this study's findings. 376 persons were used for this study, and the sample utilised face-to-face distribution procedures for the questionnaire, including open-ended questions. The data was analysed using IBM-SPSS version 25.0. The number of consumers who typically buy pre-packaged food differs considerably by gender between those who purchase pre-packaged foods rarely and those who buy frequently (p-value of 0.049). This is also true for respondents who are married, separated, or never married, as they are also significantly different (p-value of 0.004) regarding whether they occasionally or frequently purchase prepackaged food. The survey also found that most respondents read food labels as part of a healthy lifestyle, with an odds ratio of 2.21 (95% CI 1.27 – 3.85) times more than other explanations. This study's findings also revealed that most respondents only read food labels to check for nutritional information, with an odds ratio of 2.18 (95% CI 1.07 – 4.41) times compared to other reasons. The public should be more aware of the need to read pre-packaged food labels since this will notify them of any potential problems after ingesting that product.

Effects of environmental impact labels on the sustainability of food purchases: A randomised controlled trial in an experimental online supermarket.

Providing consumers with product-specific environmental impact information for food products (ecolabels) may promote more sustainable purchasing, needed to meet global environmental targets. This UK study (N = 1051 participants) investigated the effectiveness of different ecolabels using an experimental online supermarket platform, comparing three labels against control (no label). Significant reductions were found in the environmental impact score (EIS) for all labels compared to control (labels presented: values for four environmental indicators [-3.9 percentiles, 95%CIs: -5.3, -2.6]; a composite score [taking values from A to E; -3.9, 95%CIs: -5.2,-2.5]; or both together [-3.2, 95%CIs: -4.5, -1.9]). Providing ecolabels is a promising intervention to promote the selection of more sustainable products.

Determinants of Young Polish Consumers’ Food Product Purchases

ABSTRACT This article investigates the factors influencing food product purchases by young Polish consumers aged 18–25 – a group important for the development of the economy. In the process of deciding to purchase specific food products, consumers pay attention to various economic and non-economic factors, including marketing. We carried out survey in October/November 2020 using the CAWI method (Google Forms) to test the importance of 17 factors on young Polish consumers’ food purchases, applying factor analysis and cluster analysis to the resulting data. The results reveal that price and product expiration date are young Polish consumers’ primary concerns when purchasing food products. The study also found that environmental sustainability attributes, although less critical than price or product quality, are increasingly influencing young Polish consumers' purchasing decisions.

The impact of fast-food energy posting on college students’ food purchases

BackgroundThe Patient Protection US Affordable Care Act (ACA) energy posting mandate requires restaurant chains to disclose information on the energy content of their food items. Assessments of the effect of menu energy labeling on dietary choices have reported inconsistent findings. ObjectivesThis study examined the impact of menu energy labeling on food items purchased by college students after the mandate was enacted nationally. MethodsStudent food sales data from purchases made at 3 fast-food restaurants during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 academic years at a university campus were used for the analysis. The total sample included 1662 students on the university meal plan; these students generated 145,295 food transactions at the restaurants over the study period. We utilized a difference-in-differences (DiD) empirical strategy, comparing changes in transaction-level energy purchases at 2 fast-food restaurants B and C (FFRB and FFRC – treatment groups) that posted energy information in the summer of 2018 with another fast-food restaurant A (FFRA – control group) that began posting energy information before the study period. ResultsWe observed increases in the mean energy content per transaction after implementing the menu-labeling policy. The DiD estimates found an increase of 20.6 in the mean calories of energy purchased per transaction at the treatment restaurants relative to the control restaurant. In the subgroup analyses, the DiD estimates indicated calories of energy increased: 18.7 for female students, 20.5 for male students, 23.5 for non-Hispanic Black students, 30.2 for students eligible for federal financial aid, and 19.9 for students not eligible for federal financial aid. ConclusionsThe results suggest that the ACA energy menu-labeling policy led to an increase in the energy content per transaction by students at a public university. This paper highlights the need for more research to better understand the determinants of food choice among college students.

Decreases in purchases of energy, sodium, sugar, and saturated fat 3 years after implementation of the Chilean food labeling and marketing law: An interrupted time series analysis.

In 2016, Chile implemented a multiphase set of policies that mandated warning labels, restricted food marketing to children, and banned school sales of foods and beverages high in nutrients of concern ("high-in" foods). Chile's law, particularly the warning label component, set the precedent for a rapid global proliferation of similar policies. While our initial evaluation showed policy-linked decreases in purchases of high-in, a longer-term evaluation is needed, particularly as later phases of Chile's law included stricter nutrient thresholds and introduced a daytime ban on advertising of high-in foods for all audiences. The objective is to evaluate changes in purchases of energy, sugar, sodium, and saturated fat purchased after Phase 2 implementation of the Chilean policies. This interrupted time series study used longitudinal data on monthly food and beverage purchases from 2,844 Chilean households (138,391 household-months) from July 1, 2013 until June 25, 2019. Nutrition facts panel data from food and beverage packages were linked at the product level and reviewed by nutritionists. Products were considered "high-in" if they contained added sugar, sodium, or saturated fat and exceeded nutrient or calorie thresholds. Using correlated random-effects models and an interrupted time series design, we estimated the nutrient content of food and beverage purchases associated with Phase 1 and Phase 2 compared to a counterfactual scenario based on trends during a 36-month pre-policy timeframe. Compared to the counterfactual, we observed significant decreases in high-in purchases of foods and beverages during Phase 2, including a relative 36.8% reduction in sugar (-30.4 calories/capita/day, 95% CI -34.5, -26.3), a 23.0% relative reduction in energy (-51.6 calories/capita/day, 95% CI -60.7, -42.6), a 21.9% relative reduction in sodium (-85.8 mg/capita/day, 95% CI -105.0, -66.7), and a 15.7% relative reduction in saturated fat (-6.4 calories/capita/day, 95% CI -8.4, -4.3), while purchases of not-high-in foods and drinks increased. Reductions in sugar and energy purchases were driven by beverage purchases, whereas reductions in sodium and saturated fat were driven by foods. Compared to the counterfactual, changes in both high-in purchases and not high-in purchases observed in Phase 2 tended to be larger than changes observed in Phase 1. The pattern of changes in purchases was similar for households of lower versus higher socioeconomic status. A limitation of this study is that some results were sensitive to the use of shorter pre-policy time frames. Compared to a counterfactual based on a 36-month pre-policy timeframe, Chilean policies on food labeling, marketing, and school food sales led to declines in nutrients of concern during Phase 2 of implementation, particularly from foods and drinks high in nutrients of concern. These declines were sustained or even increased over phases of policy implementation.

Interactive effects of trust in government information and perceived value on Chinese consumers' actual purchasing behavior toward contaminated seafood

Previous studies have separately examined the roles of trust in government information and perceived value in consumer food choices; however, the interactive effects of trust in government information and perceived value remain unknown. Therefore, this study explores the joint effects of trust in government information and perceived value on shaping consumers' actual food purchase behavior after food contamination. A logit model was used to estimate the interactive effects. The results from a sample of 710 Chinese consumers indicated that a lack of trust continues to make consumers concerned about the safety of seafood, which, together with the spread of internet rumors, leads to the fact that trust in government information does not directly affect consumers' actual purchase behavior. However, it can also indirectly influence purchase behavior through perceived risks and benefits. Specifically, trust in government information reduces risk perception among low-income consumers and enhances benefit perception among low-risk city consumers, thus enhancing purchasing behavior. Moreover, we find city heterogeneity in its impact on consumer purchasing behavior. Specifically, in low-risk cities, it significantly promotes consumer purchasing behavior, however, in high-risk cities, it does not directly affect consumer purchasing behavior. Overall, trust in government information does not directly affect consumer purchasing behavior. Perceived value is a key factor affecting consumer purchasing behavior. An interactive effect exists between trust in government information and perceived value on consumer purchasing behaviors. These results highlight the role of perceived value in amplifying the effects of trust in government information. These findings have significant implications for seafood producers and policymakers. Effective strategies should encompass both the provision of perceived value and the cultivation of trust in government information to promote consumer choices of contaminated food.

A Conceptual Review on the Influence of Social-Media Influencers Towards Generation-Z TikTok Users’ Food Purchase Intentions

Nowadays, the popularity of social-media influencers has experienced a significant surge among the public. Individuals engaged in business endeavours have also begun seeking marketing tactics that may effectively capture the purchasing intents of consumers. Today, TikTok has been widely regarded as one of the top social-media platforms that facilitate the interchange and sharing of information, as well as connecting and communicating with individuals from all around the globe. Based on this reason, this paper serves an understanding on the potential influence of several characteristics associated with social-media influencers on the purchase intention of TikTok users, which are communication skills, attractiveness, and trustworthiness. The method used for this conceptual paper is based from literature reviews from journal articles, books and online news which are related with the keywords and research area. Lastly, this paper proposes a framework as a primary attempt on the role of the communication skills, attractiveness, and trustworthiness of the social-media influencers on the Generation-Z TikTok users’ purchase intentions.

What are the drivers of millet-based food consumption in India? A Theory of Consumption Values (TCV) perspective

Limited research explores consumer motivations for millet-based food purchases despite their rising popularity in India. Existing studies prioritize the nutritional and sustainable aspects of millets, neglecting a customer-centric perspective. This study addresses this gap by examining drivers of purchase intentions for millet-based foods. Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted open-ended essays with consumers followed by a survey (n = 385) analyzed using structural equation modeling. We applied the Theory of Consumption Values (TCV) to understand these motivations. This research contributes a theory-driven framework for understanding millet consumption and offers practical implications for marketers by informing targeted campaigns and product development strategies.

The Potential Effectiveness of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labeling for Improving Population Diets.

Nutrition labeling on the front of food packages can support more healthful purchase decisions and encourage favorable reformulation. This systematic literature review applied Cochrane methods to synthesize and appraise the evidence on the effectiveness of front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) on diet-related outcomes and food reformulation to inform policy recommendations. The search was conducted on 11 academic and gray literature databases, from inception to July 2022. Evidence was synthesized using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation), vote counting, and meta-analyses, where appropriate. Overall, 221 articles were included in the review. The randomized controlled trial evidence suggested that, compared with when no FOPL was present, FOPL likely improved consumer understanding of the nutritional quality/content of foods (moderate certainty of evidence), and the healthfulness of food choices (moderate certainty) and purchases (moderate certainty). Interpretive FOPL had a greater effect on these outcomes compared with noninterpretive systems (moderate certainty). There was inconsistency in the best-performing interpretive FOPL system.

The Influencing Mechanism of Household Food Purchasing Behavior and Household Reserve Efficiency under Non-Normal Conditions

Family reserves are an important part of national reserves, and how to do a good job in family reserves is a common concern of the government and society. Under the non-normal conditions of major accidents and disasters, wars, plagues, social unrest, etc., urban food supply mainly depends on external supply guarantee, and urban residents’ risk perception is more sensitive. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and Norm Activation Model, this study constructs an analytical framework for the risk perception, perceived behavior control, and family reserve efficacy of urban residents under non-normal conditions from the perspectives of rationality and sensibility, self-interest, and altruism. The perceived behavior control of household food reserves in non-normal conditions is affected by risk perception, subjective norms, and personal norms. On this basis, countermeasures and suggestions are put forward: Urban residents should strengthen their sense of risk and responsibility for storing food at home, reserve food appropriately, and develop a good habit of family saving. On the other hand, it is necessary to pay attention to personal norms, reduce the negative impact of subjective norms on residents, and avoid excessive food storage and food waste.

Influential Factors on Clean Food Purchasing Decisions: A Case Study of Consumers in the Lower Northeastern Region of Thailand

This study examines the determinants influencing clean food purchasing decisions among consumers in the lower northeastern region of Thailand. It addresses the significant research gap in understanding the interplay between product attributes, cultural background, and healthy eating behaviors. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study employs a questionnaire survey with 392 valid responses, analyzed through structural equation modeling. Results indicate that both product attributes and cultural background significantly impact healthy eating behaviors, which, in turn, mediate their effects on clean food purchasing decisions. Specifically, healthy eating behaviors were found to partially mediate the relationship between product attributes and purchasing decisions, as well as between cultural background and purchasing decisions. The findings underscore the importance of promoting product attributes and cultural awareness to enhance healthy eating behaviors, thereby encouraging clean food purchases. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and marketers aiming to foster healthier eating habits through targeted interventions and culturally sensitive marketing strategies.

Product Characteristics and Emotions to Bridge the Intention-Behavior Gap in Green Food Purchasing

Promoting environmentally friendly behaviors is a pivotal strategy in addressing the climate crisis. The food industry’s impact on pollution and resource consumption underscores the importance of fostering eco-sustainable food consumption, which can significantly benefit the environment. However, despite the global surge in green purchase intentions, a noticeable discrepancy persists between these intentions and actual purchasing behavior. This study aimed to investigate the influence of various factors on the likelihood of purchasing green food. An online survey was administered to Italian adult consumers (n = 832, 66% female, aged 18–84 years), collecting sociodemographic data and assessing emotions related to green purchases, perceptions of green food characteristics, intention to buy green food, and frequency of green food purchases. Through cluster analysis, three distinct consumer categories emerged: Coherent Buyers (individuals willing to buy green food and actively doing so), Coherent Non-Buyers (individuals who have no intention to buy green food and do not buy it), and Non-Buyers with Favorable Intentions (individuals expressing willingness to buy green food but not following through with purchases). Results from multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that several factors influenced the likelihood of being categorized in the other two categories, as opposed to the Coherent Buyers one. These factors included younger age, a lower sense of pride associated with purchasing green products, and considering healthiness, natural content, and eco-sustainability of food less important and familiarity of green food more important. These findings provide valuable insights for marketers and policymakers, facilitating efforts to bridge the gap between green food intentions and behaviors and promote a shift toward a more eco-sustainable dietary pattern.

Momentum for organic food purchase intention and actual adoption- moderating effects of social media influencer and celebrity endorser

Despite extensive research into the factors influencing organic food consumption intention, a notable gap exists in understanding how this intention translates into actual consumption behavior. Addressing this gap, this study employs the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to investigate consumer individual and business-related factors that shape the intention to purchase organic food and subsequently influence its actual acquisition. We collected primary data from organic food consumers in major departmental stores in Bangladesh through a questionnaire survey. We analyzed the data using structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS v-24 and PROCESS MACRO v-4.20 software. The findings reveal significant direct, mediating, and moderating effects within the pathways delineated by the model. By uncovering these effects, the study offers valuable insights into the interplay of consumer individual and business-related factors in shaping both intention and actual behavior toward organic food consumption. Our research contributes to validating and extending the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework and provides practical implications for scholars and policymakers managing organic food consumption. By exploring these factors, we are equipping them with fresh perspectives and insights that can be directly applied in their work. This study, by elucidating the dynamics between intention and behavior, aids in developing more effective strategies to promote sustainable consumption practices in the realm of organic food, thereby empowering and motivating them to make a real difference in this field.

Addressing concerns about sustainability and animal welfare: Investigating consumers' adoption and behavioral intention towards plant-based eggs.

This study aimed to address the concerns regarding sustainability and animal welfare that have led to egg shortages. By examining consumer adoption and purchase intention towards plant-based eggs as a viable alternative, this study identifies the key factors influencing consumer interest. The study integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Value-Attitude-Behavior (VAB) frameworks. Data from 239 responses were collected through a questionnaire survey and analyzed using SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 28.0. The results highlight the significant impact of intrinsic food value and sensory appeal on purchase intention. Attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control mediate the relationship between food value and purchase intention. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for food industry professionals by enabling them to develop targeted strategies. Moreover, this study emphasizes plant-based eggs as a sustainable and health-conscious solution to egg shortages, thereby promoting overall industry sustainability.

Young customers’ intention to purchase organic food in South Africa: extending the theory of planned behaviour

Ethical consumption has become an increasing trend as young customers get increasingly aware of their environmental and ethical responsibilities. The study aimed to examine the determinants of organic food purchase intention and behaviour of young customers in South Africa by extending the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). The main objective of the study was to determine the effects of TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control) on young consumers’ intention to purchase organic food. Also, the study investigated whether the extended TPB model would improve the predictive validity of the model. The TPB was modified by the addition of three value constructs (health, environmental and appearance consciousness) as antecedents of attitude and intention and two personal factors (moral norms and ethical self-identity) as predictors of purchase intention. In addition, the study examined the mediating effects of attitude towards organic food in the relationship between value and purchase intention. Furthermore, the study determined the effect of intention on actual organic food purchase behaviour of young consumers. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and data was collected through the cross-sectional survey method using self-administered questionnaires from four hundred and three respondents. The questionnaires were distributed to the respondents through mall intercept and the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS SEM) was used to test the hypotheses of the study. The findings confirmed that two constructs of the TPB (attitude towards organic food and perceived behavioural control) are predictors of purchase intention. In addition, health and environmental consciousness are antecedents of attitude and intention. Attitude mediates the relationship between health, environmental consciousness and intention. Furthermore, intention is a predictor of behaviour. Recommendations to improve the purchase of organic food focus on communication by marketers to consumers about the benefits of organic food. The study concludes that the extended TPB is an applicable theoretical framework to explain the purchase of organic food by young consumers.

Food purchasing and eating patterns: Assessing the role of people’s mobility, social networks, and attitudes on healthy diets

A poor diet has crucial impacts on individuals and society as a whole. In addition to individual preferences, there is evidence that people’s diet is related to their social, economic, and geographical environment, including their mobility context. However, few studies have an empirical, integrated perspective of these previous dimensions. This paper presents an empirical effort to understand people’s food purchasing and eating preferences concerning their mobility dynamics, social networks, habits, perceptions, activities, and sociodemographics, going beyond a static distance-based food supply perspective. The case study corresponds to the city of Concepción, Chile, using data that included nutrition, mobility, social networks, habits, perceptions, activities, and sociodemographics. The relationships between people’s eating and shopping patterns and these different contextual dimensions were analyzed through joint multivariate statistical modelling.The empirical findings suggest that greater spatial proximity to the purchase of food does not significantly impact the quality of the diet. However, greater proximity to food supply affects the frequency and characteristics of the transport mode to the shopping trips, impacting the diet quality, especially in the case of open street markets. This relationship shows that mobility patterns play an essential role in the impact of spatial accessibility on the purchase of food and the quality of people’s diets. The results also confirm that food consumption and purchasing decisions go beyond individual sociodemographics and are influenced by other aspects of people’s overall mobility patterns, social capital, and attitudes.

Dynamic or static? The effect of food imagery on menus on perceived food energy and purchase intention

Food menus frequently employ dynamic imagery to show their offerings, yet a consensus regarding its impact on perceived food attributes and purchase intentions remains elusive. Drawing on stimulus-organism-response theory, we constructed a theoretical framework in which dynamic imagery on food menus influences purchase intention through food attribute evaluation. In addition, based on the conceptual metaphor theory, we proposed that dynamic imagery on food menus may influence customers’ attribute evaluations of food energy. This study conducted four experiments, revealing that the use of dynamic imagery to display food on a menu led customers to perceive the food as having a higher energy level. This effect was observed in high-energy-density foods but not in low-energy-density foods. And this effect is also absent when the nutritional information of the food on the menu is salient. In addition, we found that customers’ dietary goals moderated the effect of dynamic imagery on purchase intention through perceived food energy. When customers had functional and hedonic goals (self-controlled goals), the need for food energy was higher (lower), and dynamic imagery elicited higher (lower) purchase intentions.

Socio-Demographic Factors, Behaviors, Motivations, and Attitudes in Food Waste Management of Romanian Households.

(1) Background: Food waste (FW) in Romania is 70 Kg/capita/year, while 70% of food waste comes from public catering, retail services, and households (over 50%-47 million tons). The present study investigates the socio-demographic factors, behaviors, motivations, and attitudes related to food waste management in Romanian households. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an online questionnaire via the Google Forms platform from 15 April 2023 to 15 May 2023. The questionnaire was designed to assess various aspects, such as some socio-demographic information (age, sex, occupation, area of residence, study level, household members number, children <18 years of age); the personal involvement and frequency of food purchases and homemade food cooking; the main sources that generate food waste; the motivation and frequency with which food waste occurs; the level of awareness regarding the impact of food waste; the respondents' intentions regarding sustainable behaviors and practices for food management; the level of information and familiarity of the respondents with the notions of validity and how these may influence their food consumption decisions. (3) Results: The results show that FW incidence is occasionally (42%), very rarely (43.33%), frequently (15%), and no food waste was reported by 2.66% of respondents. The 35-44 age category records the highest FW frequency, followed by 18-24. The most wasted are homemade food (29.67%), bread and bakery products (27.00%), and fruits and vegetables (14.33%). High involvement in purchasing and buying food following a previously established list reduces FW frequency. The same is valid for high daily involvement in food and homemade cooking. High interest in the FW problem and its perception as a waste of money leads to diminishing it, while guilty feelings increase the FW level (37.50% to 73.33%). (4) Conclusions: The present study shows that household food waste management is a multifactorial process that involves numerous socio-demographic, behavioral, and emotional aspects. Extensive data analysis supports our results, revealing deep self-reported information details and confirming its complex approach.

Household food expenditures and socioeconomic status in relation to dietary nutrient intake in Iranian families

PurposeExamining the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) and expenses spent on food preparation on nutritional intake has always been one of the critical concerns for policymakers. This study aims to investigate the association between household food expenditure as well as SES and dietary nutrient intake in Kermanshah, Iran.Design/methodology/approachIn this cross-sectional study, households were randomly selected from different strict in Kermanshah, Iran. Data were collected with an SES questionnaire, a demographic data collection form, a weekly food purchase checklist and a food record. The authors performed the analysis of covariance to determine the relationship of dietary nutrient intake of study participants across quintile categories of SES and total food expenses per day.FindingsOut of 125 households, 119 households including 401 people finished the study. A significant association was observed between higher SES and higher intake of vitamin B2 (p-value = 0.03). Moreover, the household members at the top level of total food expenses per day had significantly greater dietary nutrient intake of energy (p < 0.001), potassium (p < 0.001), magnesium (p < 0.001), calcium (p < 0.001), zinc (p < 0.001), vitamin B2 (p < 0.001), B6 (p < 0.001), B12 (p = 0.002) and vitamin C (p = 0.04).Originality/valueIn our study, higher dietary nutrient intake was observed in the household members at the highest level of total food expenses daily as well as SES. Therefore, governments and policymakers should pay basic attention to optimizing food costs and improving the economic status of people.