Convenience Food Consumption Research Articles

CONCEPT OF VIRUDDHA AAHARA IN ACCORDANCE WITH TODAY’S SCENARIO – A REVIEW

Viruddha Ahara, an ancient concept in Ayurveda, elucidates the adverse effects of incompatible food combina-tions on health. While rooted in traditional wisdom, its relevance persists in contemporary dietary practices. This abstract explores the concept of Viruddha Ahara in today's scenario, shedding light on its significance amidst evolving dietary trends and lifestyles. In the modern era, the accessibility to diverse cuisines and the fusion of culinary traditions have led to the adoption of novel nutritional habits. However, amidst this culinary diversity, the principles of food compatibility outlined in Viruddha Ahara remain pertinent. The ingestion of incompatible food combinations can disrupt the digestive process, leading to various health complications such as indigestion, bloating, and nutrient malabsorption. Furthermore, the prevalence of processed foods and fast-paced lifestyles has accentuated the consumption of con-venience foods, often comprising ingredients that may clash in terms of their properties and effects on the body. Moreover, the rise of dietary fats and restrictive eating patterns has spurred the popularity of unconventional food combinations in pursuit of purported health benefits. However, the indiscriminate amalgamation of foods without considering their compatibility can undermine nutritional balance and compromise overall well-being. Integrating the principles of food compatibility into contemporary nutrition education and dietary guidelines can empower individuals to make informed choices that support optimal digestion and health. Embracing a holistic approach to nutrition that honours traditional wisdom and scientific insights can foster a balanced relationship with food, promoting vitality and resilience in today's fast-paced world.

New insights into Bacillus cytotoxicus sources, screening, toxicity, and persistence in food production facilities

Bacillus cytotoxicus is a thermotolerant member of the Bacillus cereus group. It has been linked to rare, but at times fatal cases of diarrheal disease and might be missed at routine diagnostic screening temperatures commonly used for the B. cereus group. The pathogen is mostly found on dehydrated foods containing potato starch or insects. How it enters the food chain or whether it persists in food producing environments is largely unknown. Increased consumption of insects and convenience foods in Europe and the lack of information on the persistence of B. cytotoxicus in food environments and its virulence demand for further characterization. In this study, we aimed to obtain a better understanding of i) the food sources of B. cytotoxicus, ii) screening temperatures needed for its isolation from food matrices, iii) cytotoxicity of the organism, and iv) its ecological niche and potential epidemiological links. To this end, 112 food samples were collected, with a focus on foods exhibiting low water activity. The samples were screened for B. cytotoxicus at 42 °C and at 50 °C. Presumptive isolates were characterized by cytK-1 toxin gene PCR for differentiation of B. cytotoxicus from other B. cereus group members. Vero cell cytotoxicity assays were performed, and selected isolates were sequenced. Our results show that screening at 42 °C might be insufficient for detecting B. cytotoxicus in foods that harbor other less thermophilic Bacillus species. When screening at 50 °C, B. cytotoxicus was detected in 23% of the food samples (n = 26 isolates). The highest prevalence was detected in mashed potato products (82%) and potato flakes (67%). In contrast, a wide range of products not containing any potato ingredients did not yield B. cytotoxicus isolates. All B. cytotoxicus isolates exhibited either low or no detectable cytotoxicity. WGS analysis revealed that a highly toxic isolate is closely related to the French outbreak strain NVH 391-98. In addition, we could show that two isolates sampled 5 years apart from the same production facility only differed by seven SNPs, making it likely that B. cytotoxicus is able to persist in production facilities over a long time. Interestingly, the reoccurring strain possessed an additional plasmid and did not show cytotoxic potential when re-isolated after 5 years.

Determinants of purchase and consumption of convenience foods – survey of polish respondents

Purpose: The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing consumers' purchasing decisions and frequency of convenience food consumption, including qualitative (gender, generation, income level) and quantitative (attitudes towards new foods, values held and lifestyle) factors. Design/methodology/approach: The research instrument was a survey questionnaire administered through the CAWI method using Google forms. The research was conducted in the spring of 2023 in Gdynia, Pomeranian Voivodeship (Northern Poland). To select the respondents for the survey sample, the snowball sampling technique was used. They also acknowledged the inherent risk factors associated with conducting an interview using the CAWI method. The interview questionnaire consisted of thematic blocks including scales on: lifestyle, food neophobia (FNS), convenience food purchasing habits, frequency of convenience food consumption and intention to purchase convenience foods, and a metric. Findings: The research carried out showed that the use of convenience foods of convenience foods varies widely and can depend on factors such as: gender generation, level of monthly income, lifestyle. It was found that generation Z is more likely, compared to generations X and Y, to express an intention to consume convenience foods, new foods and are interested in unconventional food trends. Research limitations/implications: Our study has some limitations. Identification of factors influencing purchase decisions and frequency of convenience food consumption by consumers belonging to generations X, Y, Z was carried out using snowball sampling among residents of Gdynia. The results of the study are therefore not representative of the entire Polish population and should be interpreted with caution. Practical implications: Our findings can be used as a basis for discussion and reflection on the development of smart food systems using information and communication technologies (ICTs) that provide consumers (Generations X, Y, Z) with knowledge about the range and quality of convenience foods and help them to enjoy convenience foods. Originality/value: The change in consumption trends observed in recent years creates new challenges for convenience foods, which not only simplify meal preparation but also heavily influence the nutritional quality of food. Therefore, convenience food manufacturers should consider the preferences and needs of Generation Z when designing such products. Keywords: food consumption, food trust, new food trends, consumer behaviour of generations X, Y, Z. Category of the paper: Research paper.

Assessing the Consumers’ Purchase Intention and Consumption of Convenience Food in Emerging Economy: The Role of Physical Determinants

This study examines the role of time scarcity, cooking skills, meal preparation confidence, physical and mental effort for cooking, availability of cooking resources, familiarity and motivation on consumers’ intention to purchase and consume convenience food. The data of 501 consumers, selected through non-probability purposive sampling technique, was collected using a structured questionnaire. SPSS and AMOS software were employed for data analysis. The results of descriptive statistics and confirmatory factor analysis indicated good internal consistency and reliability of questionnaire, as well as adequate convergent and discriminant validity of measurement model. The outcome of the structural equation modeling showed that time scarcity, lack of cooking skills, lack of meal preparation confidence, lack of interest for physical and mental efforts in cooking, familiarity to convenience food, and lack of motivation in cooking has positive relationship/association with consumers’ intention to purchase and consume convenience food. Availability of cooking resources had no significant effect on convenience food consumption. Busy lifestyle, hectic work schedule, and multiple responsibilities within time scarcity construct were prominent factors which significantly influence consumers’ intention to purchase and consume convenience food.

Role of dietary habits in menstrual disorders among adolescent girls in Navi Mumbai, Western Maharashtra

BACKGROUND: India is a developing country where malnutrition is the most common problems; we are dealing with emerging problems of consumption of convenience food and street food. These foods are easily available, awesome taste, have some packages and advertisements which attracts the new generations and skipping meals starts. Adolescent girls are getting the problems of overweight, underweight, thyroid disorders, anemia, and other hematological disorders. Ultimate aim of this research is to find out an association about between dietary habits and menstrual disorders in adolescent girls. METHODOLOGY: An observational study was carried out in adolescent girls of MGM School, Navi Mumbai, India, from October 2021 to December 2021, to find out the relation between dietary pattern verses menstrual disorders among adolescent girls. Numerical pain scale, modified women's health questionnaire, and daily diary were used to collect data from 100 adolescent girls. Nonprobability purposive sampling technique was used to select adolescent girls. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 24.0 software. RESULTS: The average age of menarche was 12.9 ± 2.7 years. The study showed that girls experienced moderate menstrual pain (54%), severe menstrual pain (21%), and premenstrual symptoms in 36% of adolescence girls. More than 42% of participants were eating street food and many of the girls had habits of skipping the meals in the afternoon. It was found that there was a significant association between dietary habits and menstrual problems (P ≤ 0.0001). The correlation coefficient between dietary habits and menstrual disorders was identified as r = 0.7 with P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: The menstrual disorders were arising problems among girls of schools of Navi Mumbai. Daily intake of appropriate amount of protein, CHO, fat, vitamins, and minerals can help reduce menstrual problems facing by adolescent girls.

The frequency of convenience food consumption and attitude of sodium and sugar reduction among middle and high school students in Seoul: a descriptive study

The frequency of convenience food consumption and attitude of sodium and sugar reduction among middle and high school students in Seoul: a descriptive study

Understanding Consumer's purchase intention and consumption of convenience food in an emerging economy: Role of marketing and commercial determinants

The present study examines the role of brand, store, processing technology, packaging, country of origin, product information, and advertising in the shopping and consumption of convenience food. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 501 consumers across four cities of India, including students and in-service personnel from universities and the corporate sector. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used for data analysis. Cronbach's alpha, factor loading, composite reliability, average variance extracted, and inter-correlation estimates revealed good reliability of constructs and items of each construct, as well as confirmed convergent and discriminant validity of the measurement model. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that measurement and structural models fit well with the data. The standardized estimates of the structural model indicated that brand image was the most crucial determinant which drives consumers towards convenience food choice, followed by product information, store image, advertising, packaging quality, and processing technology. Country of origin was not associated with purchase intention and consumption of convenience food. • Role of marketing and commercial factors were examined on convenience food choice. • CFA and SEM were used to analyse data. • Measurement and structural models fit well with data. • Brand image was the most important factor influencing convenience food choice. • Country of origin was not associated with convenience food choice.

Evaluation of Sensory and Nutritional Quality of Leucas aspera Leaf Powder Incorporated Millet based Ready to Eat (RTE) Snack

Background: Since last few years, there was a drastic change in the food habits and cooking methods. Ready to eat (RTE) products usage was highly increased in the last five years due their convenience, price, attractiveness, taste, texture and appearance. Consumption of convenience foods with health benefits attracted many sections of the population. Jowar is a millet with potential health benefits. Leucas aspera is a traditional green leafy vegetable available in entire India. Instead of regular murukku, jowar murukku with addition of an underutilised green leafy vegetable (Leucas aspera) adds variety, improve palatability and health. Leucas aspera leaf powder incorporated jowar murukku was developed and evaluated for sensory and nutritional qualities. Methods: The work was done in the year 2020-2021. The leaves are collected from the Nalgonda district of Telangana state. After the preliminary processing, the dried leaf powder is added to jowar murukku in different formulations. The best selected formulation is analysed for both sensory and nutritional quality. Result: The results of the study found that addition of leaf powder improved the sensory quality, protein, crude fiber, vitamin, mineral and antioxidant content of the jowar murukku than the control sample.

Measuring consumers’ demand for nutrition attributes: an application to ready-to-heat meals

AbstractThis study analyzes consumers’ preferences for nutrition and convenience attributes in ready-to-heat meals, using grocery scanner data applied to a Berry, Levinsohn, and Pakes model. Households’ preferences for convenience meals stem on saving time. Also, households prefer convenience meals with higher contents of sugar, fat, sodium, cholesterol, and fiber, and lower in calorie content. Results prove that consumption of convenience foods implies a high intake of ingredients with negative consequences on dietary quality and health. Findings showcase the importance of the advancement and adoption of alternative food processing technologies that would circumvent the production of convenient foods high in non-healthy ingredients.

Consumer’s purchase intention and consumption of convenience food: the role of socio-demographic and economic determinants

The research aimed to examine the relationship between marital status, gender, age, employment status, meal patterns, family income, food price, food availability and purchase intention and consumption of convenience food. The confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were adopted to analyse the data obtained from 501 consumers. The confirmatory factor analysis indicates the good internal consistency and reliability of scale items as well as confirmed the convergent and discriminant validity of the constructs. The fit indices demonstrated adequate fit of measurement and structural models. The path analysis of the structural model highlights the positive relationship between marital status, employment status, meal patterns, family income, food price, food availability and purchase intention and consumption of convenience food. The gender and age of consumers were not linked with the purchase intention of convenience food. The path analysis of the structural model also revealed that marital status was the most important determinant, followed by food price, meal pattern, family income, employment status and food availability influencing purchase intention and consumption of convenience food.

중국 유학생의 건강관심도에 따른 편의식 선택동기에 대한 연구

This study analyzed the health consciousness of Chinese students in South Korea. We further identified the purchase motives, selection attributes, and consumption patterns of convenience foods based on the levels of health consciousness. An online survey was conducted with 296 Chinese students. Based on the average health consciousness score, the students were classified into the low health-conscious group (Low group) and the high health-conscious group (High group). Compared to the High group, the Low group comprised more men (p=0.002) who were younger (p＜0.001) and less proficient in the Korean language (p＜0.001). Using factor analysis, three factors were identified for convenience food purchase motive (taste, quality, and convenience), and five factors were identified for convenience food selection attributes (quality, trend, economical, convenience, and information). The Low group scored higher in taste (p=0.031) and lower in quality (p=0.037) when considering convenience food purchase motives. Regarding the selection attributes, the Low group scored lower in quality (p＜0.001) and higher in trend (p＜0.001) as compared to the High group. The frequency of consumption of convenience food in the Low group was determined to be higher (p＜0.001). These results indicate that Chinese students who are less interested in health are more likely to consume a higher amount of convenience food, and they consider taste or trend more important than quality when purchasing convenience food. Therefore, education programs on healthy eating habits are required for Chinese students to help them select healthier convenience food options. The development of food labels to support healthy food choices for foreign students with low Korean language skills should also be considered. This study also indicates the necessity to develop differentiated convenience foods for Chinese students.

Out-of-home eating frequency, causal attribution of obesity and support to healthy eating policies from a cross-European survey


 Background: The relation between the increased out-of-home food consumption and the rising of overweight and obesity prevalence rates has been widely assessed, and the a key role played by the catering sector in ensuring healthy food choices has been recognised. Governments’ healthy eating policies have a wide range of action, influencing consumer behavior, and the socioeconomic and food environments, with specific actions for the catering sector. Information on the public support for these policies could help policy makers in planning decisions. This study aims to investigate the relationship of out-of-home eating frequency with beliefs about obesity causes, support to healthy eating policies, and with socio-demographic factors.
 Methods: Data on 3003 individuals from Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Poland and United Kingdom, of both sexes, aged ≥16 years, were employed, from the European survey on policy preferences (Eatwell). Data were analysed through Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis.
 Results: Out-of-home eating varied with gender, age, marital status, education, BMI, and by country. Convenience food consumption was positively associated with obesity attribution to genetics, and inversely associated with attribution to lack of willpower. Attributions of obesity to lack of time, and to lack of self-control were associated with increased likelihood to consume fast-food and ready-prepared food respectively. Out-of-home eating people expressed higher support for information-based prevention, and actions aimed at healthier out-of-home eating, and lower support for restrictions and regulations of the food supply environment.
 Conclusion: Future research on out-of-home food consumers and their support towards public interventions for the catering sector, could have important implications for effective strategies to promote healthy eating.

The Effect of COVID-19-Related Lifestyle Changes on Depression.

Objective This study aimed to identify the effect of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)–related lifestyle changes on depression. Methods This secondary data analysis study included 229,269 adults from a community health survey conducted in the South Korea in 2020. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire about participants’ lifestyle changes related to COVID-19 and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The data were analyzed using a complex sample independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Results The mean age of the participants was 48.76; 49.6% were male, and 50.4% were female. The multiple regression showed that depression increased due to COVID-19–related lifestyle changes (physical activity, sleep duration, consumption of convenience foods, alcohol consumption, smoking, and use of public transportation). The explanatory power was 27.3%, and the model was suitable (Wald F=63.75, p<0.001). Conclusion This study identified the effect of COVID-19–related lifestyle changes on depression, and the results have implications for future depression-relieving interventions.

Home Meal Replacement (Convenience Food) Consumption Behavior of Single-Member Households in Vietnam by Food Consumption Value

The home meal replacement (HMR) market in Vietnam is expected to grow due to economic growth and the associated reduction in household size resulting from this. This study sets the development direction of HMR products and establishes product marketing strategies in the Vietnamese market through market segmentation of single-member households. Our survey targeted single-member households with regular HMR experience. Food-consumption value is used to identify market segmentation and differences in purchase behavior, such as preferences for a specific HMR type, the importance and performance of HMR selection attributes, and the demand for product development. The single-member households in Vietnam are segmented by purchasing simplicity and convenience, considering multiple options, and purchasing family safety. The family-oriented culture of Vietnam influences the evaluation of family safety, while the situational value reflects climate features. Meanwhile, taste, expiration date, sanitation, and nutrients are found to be key attributes. This study targets the impact of these effects on single-member households, given that household size is rapidly decreasing in Vietnam and there is a lack of research on the Vietnamese HMR market. Additionally, it highlights the influence of Vietnam’s culture and climate characteristics by utilizing segmented markets, which can also be utilized to develop market-tailored HMR products and to derive appropriate marketing strategies.

Nutrition Education, Hands-on Cooking and Financial Incentives to Change Purchasing Behaviors in a Low Socioeconomic Status Population: A Community-Based Study Protocol

ObjectivesSocioeconomically disadvantaged populations are more likely to have both low nutrition literacy and low cooking efficacy. This combination often results in a high consumption of convenience foods that are typically energy-dense, nutrient poor, and promote the development or exacerbation of chronic disease. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of nutrition education, hands-on cooking practices, and financial incentives on grocery purchasing behaviors and diet quality in a low-income community. MethodsForty participants will receive nutrition education and hands-on cooking experiences through a 10-week nutrition education program via Zoom. An instructor will teach participants a nutrition topic and then prepare and cook a related meal with them. Participants will be notified of the recipe prior to class, and required foods will be provided for those participants who are unable to afford them. Participants will also receive discounts on food items labeled as “Live HealthSmart Foods” (LHS) at the Village Market grocery store in the East Lake neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama. LHS foods include fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Participants will use a unique pin code to receive the discount and their account will be examined for trends in their shopping behaviors. Main outcomes of interest include proportion of LHS foods purchased, dietary intake measured by a food frequency questionnaire and changes in nutrition literacy and cooking efficacy. ResultsStudy results will indicate 1) if there is a synergistic effect of nutrition education, hands-on cooking practices, and financial incentives on grocery purchasing behaviors and 2) how the intervention influences diet quality. ConclusionsResults will also inform our endeavor of expanding the territory of the Live HealthSmart food model in a randomized community-based trial investigating the intervention’s potential for translation and implementation in a wider and more diverse community setting. Funding SourcesThis work was supported by the Live HealthSmart Alabama initiative, the Cooking Well nutrition program, Village Market, Albert Schweitzer Fellowship and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Is snacking the new smoking?

The way we eat is changing. Incrementally, between-meal snacking has increased over time, and our busy, on-the-run lifestyles and changing social norms fuel the consumption of convenience foods and calorie-dense snacks. The societal normalising of snacking behaviour has myriad influences, but the marketing narrative that snacking is “good for you” needs to be challenged. Cigarette promotion of yesteryear seems unconscionable today, but the way snack foods are now pitched to the public has some eerie parallels. The pervasiveness of aggressive targeted marketing, celebrity endorsement, social normalisation narrative, and dismissal of health consequences should give us pause for thought.

The prospect of using natural psychobitics in dairy products to stabilize the diet

The spread of coronavirus infection has caused a disturbance in the structure of the diet, including the priority consumption of convenience foods and fast food. It is known, that inappropriate nutrition contributes both to the disruption of metabolic processes in the body and creates the prerequisites for the aggravation of nervous disorders. The development of functional products based on synbiotics, the components of which ensure the normalization of the intestinal microbiome composition, can become a promising direction for the prevention of malnutrition. The basis for developments in this area is a review of research data confirming the importance of the human intestinal microflora in the regulation of vital functions and psychosomatic reactions of the body, in particular, mood and behavior. The prospect of using fermented milk products with pro- and prebiotic microorganisms and preparations based on them instead of chemical antidepressants is shown. The mechanism of action of psychobiotics, consisting in the formation of most of the nervous and immune systems due to microorganisms of targeted action and dietary fibers in food, in particular dairy, has been analyzed.

Investigating the Role of Psychological, Social, Religious and Ethical Determinants on Consumers' Purchase Intention and Consumption of Convenience Food.

Despite impressive market growth, increasing demand and economic importance of convenience food in emerging economies such as India, comprehensive research regarding the role of psychological and social determinants on convenience food choice is lacking. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the influence of convenience orientation, social status, moral attitude, mood, spiritual concern, religious beliefs and ethical values on purchase intention and consumption of convenience food. The non-probability purposive sampling method was adopted for recruitment of participants. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from 501 consumers. The descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were carried out to analyse the data. The factor loading, Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, average variance extracted, and correlations demonstrated good internal consistency and reliability of scale items as well as convergent and discriminant validity of the constructs. The model fit indices revealed that measurement and structural models fitted well with data. The path analysis of the structural model demonstrated that convenience orientation (β = 0.789 ***, t = 32.462), moral attitude (β = 0.594 ***, t = 20.984), mood (β = 0.586 ***, t = 18.683), spiritual concern (β = 0.145 ***, t = 3.23), religious beliefs (β = 0.451 ***, t = 14.787) and ethical values (β = 0.497 ***, t = 16.678) were positively related with purchase intention and consumption of convenience food (*** Significant at p ≤ 0.01). The path analysis of structural model also indicated that social status was not linked with purchase intention and consumption of convenience food. The convenience orientation was the key determinant influencing purchase intention and consumption of convenience food.

Role, Relevance and Significance of Convenience Food -A Literature Review Approach

The following paper provides a critical review of research on convenience food. It also highlights the significance of convenience food in the dimensions of time saving and time shifting and its growing importance felt due to the recent changes witnessed in domestic labor and family life. A total of 14 different classification of convenience food is presented in the paper and out of 14 categories four categories of convenience food are widely used. These are eat as it, ready to use, ready to cook and ready to heat. The paper concludes by making a comprehensive study for understanding the consumption of convenience food in terms of everyday social practices, emphasizing on its habitual and routine character.

Body Composition, Physical Activity, and Convenience Food Consumption among Asian American Youth: 2011-2018 NHANES.

The primary purpose of this study was to describe obesity, body composition, convenience food consumption, physical activity, and muscle strength among Asian American youth compared to other racial/ethnic groups. The secondary purpose was to examine whether obesity, body composition, convenience food consumption, physical activity, and muscle strength differed by acculturation levels among Asian American youth. A secondary analysis was conducted using data from 12,763 children aged 2 to 17 years that participated in the 2011–2018 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In the NHANES interview, acculturation, dietary behavior, and physical activity questionnaires were administered. The acculturation level was indicated by the language spoken at home. In the NHANES examination, anthropometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and muscle strength assessments were conducted. Compared to non-Hispanic White American boys, Asian American boys had similar levels of obesity, central obesity, and fat mass. Among the five racial/ethnic groups examined, lean body mass, muscle mass, convenience food consumption, and daily physical activity were the lowest in the Asian group. More acculturated Asian American boys, but not girls, were more likely to be obese (OR = 3.28 (1.63, 6.60)). More acculturated Asian American youth more frequently consumed convenience food (1.4 more meals/month (1.2, 1.6)). This study highlights the obesity problem among Asian American boys, which worsens with acculturation to America. The study results also suggest that although Asian American youth consume less convenience food overall than non-Hispanic White American youth, increasing acculturation may negatively influence food choices.