Food Behavior Research Articles

Dietary Behavior as a Target of Environmental Policy: Which Policy Instruments Are Adequate to Incentivize Plant-Based Diets?

Meat consumption causes major damage to the environment, such as the pollution of air, water, and soil, and contributes significantly to biodiversity loss and climate change. To reach environmental and climate targets, agricultural production methods need to be addressed politically. However, dietary behavior also needs to change. This is especially the case in Western countries with unsustainably high meat consumption, such as Germany. Based on a systematic analysis of the literature of different disciplines, the article examines the following: (a) Factors influencing food behavior; (b) Policy instruments effectively contributing to behavior change; (c) Potential problems with regard to their political feasibility. Using Germany as an example, the analysis shows that only a combination of measures is promising to achieve a reduction in meat consumption—both in terms of effectiveness as well as political feasibility. Instruments need to change contextual conditions in a way that makes sustainable nutritional choices the easier ones. In the longer term, education programs and campaigns can help to change basic influencing factors such as norms or values. And, in the short term, these factors can be activated and become relevant for action in the respective decision-making situations.

Geographic Comparison of Dietary Intake and Quality in Manitoba Adolescents.

Purpose: The Food and Nutrition for Manitoba Youth (FANS) study examined dietary intakes, food behaviours, food security status, health indicators, and body mass index of a cohort of grade 9 students. This paper describes regional differences and similarities in dietary intake (food and nutrients) and quality of youth participants in the FANS study.Methods: Grade 9 students completed a web-based survey on dietary intakes (24-hour recall), food behaviours, self-reported health indicators, and sociodemographic variables. Nutrient intakes were compared with national guidelines and diet quality was assessed using a modified Healthy Eating Index.Results: A total of 1587 students participated from northern, rural, and urban regions in Manitoba. Northern and rural students had higher intakes of sugar, sodium, and saturated fat compared with urban. Northern students consumed fewer grain products compared to urban, and more servings of "other" foods compared with rural and urban. While most participants were classified into the "needs improvement" or "poor" Healthy Eating Index categories, significantly more northern participants were in the "poor" category.Conclusions: Most adolescents in the study are at nutritional risk; however, there are additional vulnerabilities for those in rural and northern communities. Dietitians can use results to advocate for and plan interventions to improve adolescent nutrition.

Transformative Insights: Break Up with Salt (BUWS) Program's Short-Term Influence on Hypertension Risk Factors.

Break Up with Salt (BUWS) is a four-session community-based nutrition education program aimed at reducing key controllable hypertension risk factors. This pilot study utilized a pre-post survey design to assess short-term outcomes on food behaviors (including DASH diet eating patterns), physical activity, and overall well-being, in two groups of participants. The first "pilot" group (n = 25) completed a comprehensive, 16-item survey; the second "abbreviated" group (n = 27) completed a 5-item survey. The pilot group experienced improvements in whole grain (p = 0.04), sweetened beverage consumption, watching/reducing sodium (p = 0.04) and fat (p = 0.05) consumption, and time spent sitting (p = 0.04). The abbreviated group improved confidence in using food labels (p = 0.02), following the DASH diet (p < 0.01), preparing food without salt (p = 0.03), selecting lower sodium items when eating out (p = 0.04), and making a positive lifestyle change (p = 0.01). The BUWS program provides information and teaches strategies to manage or prevent hypertension. By effectively improving diet and food behaviors, BUWS has the potential to reduce hypertension risk factors and improve the general health of participants.

Changes in food preferences and ingestive behaviors after glucagon-like peptide-1 analog treatment: techniques and opportunities.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs are approved for the treatment of obesity in adults and adolescents. Reports have emerged that the weight loss effect of these medications may be related to changes in food preferences and ingestive behaviors following the treatment. Understanding the mechanisms which impact ingestive behavior could expand opportunities to develop more refined and personalized treatment options for obesity. Recent studies investigating the relationship between GLP-1 analogs and ingestive behaviors were retrieved from PubMed using the search terms: "obesity," "food preference," "taste," "ingestive behavior," "weight loss medication," "anti-obesity medication," "GLP-1 analog," "tirzepatide," "liraglutide," "semaglutide." Measurement tools were studied to compare variables used to assess food intake behavior. The main outcomes from each study were analyzed to evaluate the current standing and future directions of appetitive, ingestive, and consummatory behaviors and their association with GLP-1 analogs. Thus far, studies have primarily explored the weight loss phase and report decreased short-term appetite and food intake upon treatment. However, research during the weight maintenance phase and objective measurements of food intake are notably sparse. Additionally, verbal reports have been primarily used to examine food intake, which can be susceptible to subjectivity. Elucidating the relationship between GLP-1 analogs and ingestive behavior could reveal additional parameters which contribute to their anti-obesity effects. To better understand these mechanisms, it is imperative to consider objective measurements of food intake in future studies. Several measurement tools have been adapted to measure variables of food behavior in humans, and each must be carefully considered with their strengths and limitations to develop optimal investigations.

Food marketing communication targeting children: A content analysis of research literature (2000–2023)

ABSTRACT This study provides a big picture of research in the field of food marketing communication targeting children. It aims to identify conceptual and methodological gaps, and set future research agenda for investigating less-explored aspects of food marketing communication effects on children’s food choices. A content analysis of the most influential scientific literature related to food marketing communication targeting children was conducted. Each eligible paper was analyzed based on lines of research and methodology. Analysis of 495 eligible papers revealed that “advertising” was the dominant line of research, followed by “sales promotion”. The most common research method was content analysis, and the most common analysis technique was comparison tests. Among data gathering methods, two categories of “structured questionnaires and surveys” and “nonreactive measures” had the most frequencies. One of the main findings of this study is the scarcity of research within the domains of “personal selling”, “direct marketing” and “public relations”, all of which have significant potential in influencing children’s food behaviors, both unhealthy and healthy. Additionally, there is the lack of studies using methods to consider children’s voices that will be discussed based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Antecedents of Purchase Behavior in Commercial Cat Foods

Antecedents of Purchase Behavior in Commercial Cat Foods

Analysis and Characterization of Municipal Solid Wastes Generated in Ifugao State University Potia Campus: A Basis For Planning of Waste Management

The end of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the total return of students and employees in Ifugao State University Potia Campus, a higher education institution located in Potia, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao, Philippines. However, the return of the pre-pandemic operations on campus caused problems in managing the generated municipal solid wastes. Hence, an analysis and characterization of the generated municipal solid wastes was conducted to determine important data that can be used for future waste management planning. The generated municipal solid wastes were gathered from the various waste generators within the campus for five consecutive days. The total generated municipal solid waste on the campus was about 140.10 kg.day-1, most of which was contributed by the canteens (20.86%). The generated municipal solid wastes were dominated by biodegradable waste (48.65%) and recyclable waste (37.26%). In addition, most of the generated municipal solid wastes were related to people’s food and beverage consumption behavior. The total volume of the MSW generated daily was about 5.647 m3. It is recommended that the campus create and enforce its waste management plan to specifically address the aforementioned characteristics of the generated municipal solid wastes.

Modulatory effects of estrous cycle on ingestive behaviors and energy balance in young adult C57BL/6J mice maintained on a phytoestrogen-free diet.

The estrous cycle is known to modify food, fluid, and electrolyte intake behaviors and energy homeostasis in various species, in part through fluctuations in estrogen levels. Simultaneously, commonly commercially available rodent dietary formulations greatly vary in soy protein content, and thereby the delivery of biologically active phytoestrogens. To explore the interactions among the estrous cycle, sodium, fluid, and caloric seeking behaviors, and energy homeostasis, young adult C57BL/6J female mice were maintained on a soy protein-free 2920x diet and provided water, or a choice between water and 0.15 mol/L NaCl drink solution. Comprehensive metabolic phenotyping was performed using a multiplexed Promethion (Sable Systems International) system, and estrous stages were determined via daily vaginal cytology. When provided food and water, estrous cycling had no major modulatory effects on intake behaviors or energy balance. When provided a saline solution drink choice, significant modulatory effects of the transition from diestrus to proestrus were observed upon fluid intake patterning, locomotion, and total energy expenditure. Access to saline increased total daily sodium consumption and aspects of energy expenditure, but these effects were not modified by the estrous stage. Collectively, these results indicate that when supplied a phytoestrogen-free diet, the estrous cycle has minor modulatory effects on ingestive behaviors and energy balance in C57BL/6J mice that are sensitive to sodium supply.NEW & NOTEWORTHY When provided a phytoestrogen-free diet, the estrous cycle had very little effect on food and water intake, physical activity, or energy expenditure in C57BL/6J mice. In contrast, when provided an NaCl drink in addition to food and water, the estrous cycle was associated with changes in intake behaviors and energy expenditure. These findings highlight the complex interactions among estrous cycling, dietary formulation, and nutrient presentation upon ingestive behaviors and energy homeostasis in mice.

Impact and process evaluation of a primary-school Food Education and Sustainability Training (FEAST) program in 10-12-year-old children in Australia: pragmatic cluster non-randomized controlled trial

BackgroundEnvironmentally sustainable food initiatives accompanying nutrition education, such as the Food Education and Sustainability Training (FEAST) program, have gained traction in school settings. The aim of this trial was to conduct an impact and process evaluation of FEAST, to evaluate its effect on children’s fruit and vegetable (F&V) intakes, and secondary outcomes: F&V variety consumed, nutrition knowledge, food preparation/cooking skills, self-efficacy and behaviours, food waste knowledge and behaviours, and food production knowledge.MethodsFEAST was a 10-week curriculum-aligned program, designed to educate children about healthy eating, food waste, and sustainability, while teaching cooking skills. It was implemented by classroom teachers, face-to-face and online, during COVID-19 school closures, in Australia in 2021. A custom designed survey was used to collect baseline and post-intervention data from students. Generalised linear mixed models (GLMM) estimated group differences in pre-post changes for primary and secondary outcomes. Surveys were also administered to students and teachers to evaluate intervention implementation.ResultsTwenty schools participated and self-selected to be either intervention schools (n = 10) or wait-list control (WLC) schools (n = 10). A total of 977, 5th and 6th grade children participated in the trial with a mean age of 11.1 years (SD ± 0.7). The FEAST intervention, compared to WLC, did not result in significant increases in primary outcomes nor secondary outcomes. The process evaluation revealed FEAST was well-received by students and teachers, but COVID-19 school closures hindered implementation fidelity with a less intense program delivered under the constraints of pandemic lockdowns.ConclusionsThis is the first cluster non-randomized controlled trial designed to independently evaluate FEAST in the primary-school setting. No evidence was found for improved F&V intakes in children, nor secondary outcomes. However, the positive process evaluation results suggest that further trials of the program are warranted. If implemented as originally designed (pre-pandemic), with increased duration and complemented by supporting school policies, such programs have the potential to improve children’s daily F&V intakes, cooking skills and food waste behaviours. This would support the Australian curriculum and contribute to: health promotion within schools and sustainable schools initiatives, the national agenda to reduce food waste and sustainable development goals.Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry[ACTRN12620001347954]- Registered prospectively on 14/12/2020.

Food Choice Determinants and Changes in Hong Kong During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted food behavior choices, including in procurement, preparation, and waste management. Although some of these behavior changes have resulted in positive economic outcomes, such as the growth of employment opportunities for food delivery personnel, others have been deemed environmentally unsustainable, such as the increase in materials used for food packaging. This study examined how the pandemic intensified the negotiations between sustainability and health in food choice behaviors in Hong Kong and demonstrated how contextual and social determinants influenced these behaviors. Public health trumped sustainability drivers during these intense disruptions.

Mapping Research on the Influence of Social Media on Consumer Food Behavior a Bibliometric Approach

This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to systematically map the research landscape on the influence of social media on consumer food behavior. The analysis encompasses 1000 scholarly articles published between 1962 and 2024, accumulating 32,394 citations over 62 citation years. Through co-citation and bibliographic coupling analyses, key clusters and trends are identified, revealing the multifaceted nature of social media's impact on food-related attitudes and behaviors. Insights from the analysis offer practical implications for marketers, policymakers, and researchers, guiding strategic decision-making in areas such as marketing communication, public health interventions, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The findings underscore the importance of continued research efforts to address emerging gaps and deepen our understanding of the evolving dynamics between social media and consumer food behavior.

Impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on food safety attitude, knowledge, and behavior

The potential impact of the virus on food safety during the COVID-19 outbreak has posed a critical challenge to governments, the food industry, and consumers worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of adult people regarding food safety during the COVID-19 outbreak. It is a cross-sectional study which is based on internet survey data of 1049 residents from seven regions of Turkey. The survey includes questions about the level of knowledge and attitude toward food safety during the COVID-19 outbreak. It has been observed that over 90% of the participants have correct knowledge about what to do in food shopping during the COVID-19 process. 56.6% of the participants stated that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food or food packaging, 81.0% stated that food packages should be disinfected in order to be protected from COVID-19 and 37.7% stated that COVID-19 is more resistant than other bacteria or viruses. While the presence of gender (p = 0.748) and chronic disease (p = 0.181) does not affect the number of correct answers to questions about food safety during the COVID-19 process, education (p < 0.001) and age group (p < 0.001) do. Those who are in the COVID-19 risk group and those living with the individual(s) in the COVID-19 risk group (respectively; p = 0.036, p = 0.033). Turkish consumers had a high level of knowledge about food safety, positive attitudes, frequent hand hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing activities, and adherence to social seclusion standards when shopping or dining out.

Association between ultra-processed food and snacking behavior in Brazil.

Ultra-processed food may play a role in facilitating snacking behavior because of their convenience and low satiety potential. This study aimed to describe the association between consumption of ultra-processed foods and frequency of snacking. We analyzed data from 46,164 participants (≥ 10years old) in the 2017-2018 Brazilian Household Budget Survey. Dietary data were collected by 24-h dietary recalls over one or two days for each participant. We estimated energy intake, ultra-processed food consumption, and level of snacking. We measured the association between ultra-processed food consumption and level of snacking using multinomial logistic regression, stratified by age group(adolescents, 10-19years old; adults, 20-64years old; elders, 65 or older). We found a statistically significant tendency of increased daily energy intake and consumption of snacks and that ultra-processed food consumption was positively associated with the level of snacking for all age groups. For adolescents, adults, and elders in the highest quintile of ultra-processed food consumption as a share of their entire diet, the relative risk ratio (95% CI) of having more than two snacks per day compared to no snacks was 14.21 (9.09-22.21), 4.44 (3.54-5.57), and 4.21 (2.67-6.64), respectively, when compared to the lowest quintile. Higher consumption of ultra-processed food was associated with snacking behavior, and the strength of this association was stronger among adolescents. Efforts to mitigate ultra-processed food attributes that facilitate snacking should be incorporated into strategies to promote healthier food choices, especially among adolescents.

Food Behaviour and Metabolic Characteristics of Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: Relationship to Glycaemic Control.

Diet is an essential element of treating and managing type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, limited research has examined food behaviour in children and adolescents with T1D and their relationship to glycaemic control. This study evaluated food behaviour, metabolic characteristics and their impact on the glycaemic control of children and adolescents with T1D. Two hundred and fifty-eight participants with T1D (6-15 years, duration of diabetes >1 year) were recruited. Demographic, anthropometric and clinical data were collected. Questionnaires on food neophobia and food preferences were administered. The Child Food Questionnaire (CFQ) also assessed parental feeding practices. An analysis of food behaviour showed that food neophobia was inversely associated with the liking of vegetables, fruits, fish, sweets and carbohydrates. Moreover, by analysing parental feeding practices, an inverse association of "Pressure to eat", "Monitoring" and "Restriction" with liking for vegetables and carbohydrates emerged. Considering glycaemic control, increased food neophobia and the parent practices "Restriction", "Pressure to eat" and "Concern about weight" were found in participants with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) values >8.5%. Finally, higher body mass index (BMI) and total cholesterol values were observed in subjects with HbA1c values >8.5%. These findings contribute to a better understanding of eating behaviour, metabolic status and their complex relationship with glycaemic control.

Customer’s attitude and purchasing behaviour of green food: The moderating role of environmental concerns and trust

Customer’s attitude and purchasing behaviour of green food: The moderating role of environmental concerns and trust

An insight into market and non-market alternative food networks in Czechia during Covid-19 and beyond.

The Covid-19 pandemic affected food systems in many countries and emphasized a lot of already existing social, economic and environmental agri-food problems. Alternative food networks (AFNs), praised for their ability to improve the food systems, were under stress, however, at the same time, the changed conditions may have opened new possibilities. In this paper we address the importance of AFNs during the pandemic and investigate how households have changed their participation in AFNs. Our research is novel by simultaneously focusing on both market and non-market AFNs which are often studied separately. A representative questionnaire study of Czech households was carried out in Autumn 2021 to provide a case study of food and consumption behavior of the European country after several waves of Covid-19. Based on the responses of 515 participants, the results show that 68% of Czech households participate in some form of AFNs, be it shopping or food self-provisioning, i.e., non-market food procurement in the form of gardening. Focusing on the market AFNs, farmers' markets and farm gate sales are the most popular. Covid-19 and 2021 emerging economic pressures led to a decrease of consumption of organic food (22% of respondents) as well as fresh fruit and vegetables in general (10% of respondents) and a noticeable occurrence of food insecurity (18% of households). Based on these findings, the paper discusses the ability of AFNs to support food and nutritional resilience. Problems which may endanger market-oriented AFNs are discussed as well. By addressing both market and non-market AFNs, the paper brings new knowledge into the food environment and agri-food policies research.

Understanding the Financial Dynamics of SMEs: The Impact of Literacy, Inclusion, and Education on Financial Behavior in Small Food Stall Businesses in Bekasi Regency

This research explores the intricate financial dynamics of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) by investigating the influence of financial literacy, financial inclusion, and education on the financial behavior of small food stall businesses in Bekasi Regency. The study confirms that financial literacy significantly and positively affects the financial behavior of food stall entrepreneurs, emphasizing its role in effective financial management. Financial inclusion also plays a pivotal role, with a positive correlation between access to financial services and favorable financial behavior, though disparities in utilization exist. Moreover, education exhibits a significant positive influence on financial behavior, highlighting the benefits of higher education levels among entrepreneurs. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of enhancing financial literacy and inclusion initiatives for SMEs to promote sound financial practices and informed decision-making. These insights are valuable for policymakers, financial institutions, and SME support organizations seeking to foster the growth and sustainability of small businesses in the region.

Evaluation of the consumption of potentially goitrogenic food products in various models of plant-based diets in Poland

The aim of this study was to evaluate the consumption frequency of the selected examples of goitrogenic foods in four different groups of people in Poland, who used traditional, vegetarian, vegan and pescovegetarian diets. The validated consumption frequency questionnaire of the examples of goitrogenic foods in four groups of people (n=365) on afore-mentioned diets, was performed in Poland in 2022. The statistical correspondence analysis model (CAM) was used to quantify and reveal potential relations between dietary habits and thyroid dysfunction, family history of thyroid disease, use of thyroid drugs (L-thyroxine, propylthiouracil, thiamazole), or iodine dietary supplements/drugs. Statistical analyses revealed an increased odds ratio more than 3, 8, and 6 times higher for tofu; plant-based meat; and soy beverages, respectively, by vegetarian’s vs traditional diet. Respondents with diagnosed hypothyroidism consumed soy, flax products, but avoided iodine-rich products. All respondents on traditional diet used iodine-rich products while 22% vegetarian and 23% vegan excluded them. CAM analysis did not show any relation between brassica vegetables and thyroid dysfunction. Despite the results obtained using food questionnaire were not combined with biochemicals data, some tendencies in food behavior among Polish vegans, vegetarians, and pescovegetarians appeared. Apart from some interesting correlations and tendencies, revealed in our study, further in-depth research, combined with biochemical analysis, will allow to better understand, and explain these observations. Still, the effort should be made in the future in equalizing the proportions of female and male participants of such studies, what should bring some additional data on the gender influence.

Segmenting U.S. consumers by food waste attitudes and behaviors: Opportunities for targeting reduction interventions

In order to achieve U.S. food waste reduction goals, changing the behavior of consumers will be essential as ∼50 % of wasted food occurs in residential settings. Segmenting consumers by their food waste patterns can help direct consumer campaigns, however no such analysis has been conducted in the United States. We analyze the food waste attitudes and behaviors of 1086 U.S. consumers who responded to an online survey by using k-means clustering and post-hoc sample weighting to ensure national representativeness. We identify four distinct consumer segments: Conscientious Conservers (22 % of households, 10 % of total food waste generated), Harried Profligates (26 % of households, 38 % of waste), Unrepentant Drink Wasters (21 % of households, 10 % of waste), Guilty Carb Wasters (31 % of households, 33 % of waste). For each segment we identify and discuss the constellation of attitudes, behaviors and characteristics that distinguish them from other groups and then postulate intervention and communication strategies that may prove fruitful for targeting messages in a manner that advance national food waste reduction goals in a cost-effective manner. For example, we recommend targeting campaign resources on the Harried Profligates segment, who report 45 % more wasted food than the sample average yet hold multiple attitudes conducive to supporting food waste reduction so long as the interventions can support this cluster's lack of planning skills in a manner that does not exacerbate the time pressure they report facing in day to day life.

Profile and consumer behavior of food originating from Typical Handmade Products (PATs) from the coast of Paraná

The production and trade of Typical Handcrafted Products on the coast of Paraná has taken place since the colonization period, and given its unique characteristics, this group of products currently generates an income for a contingent of more than 400 families in the region. However, despite its relevance, no studies were found to describe the consumer’s preferences, so in order to guide production, this study aimed to investigate the profile and behavior of typical handcrafted products on the coast of Paraná. An exploratory descriptive research was carried out based on interviews with consumers between February and May 2023, with a population sample of 114 consumers interviewed at the time of consumption. The study revealed that the main favorite delicacies were pastel, empadão, empadinha and risolis, and products processed based on shrimp were widely accepted by consumers (75.89%), followed by hearts of palm (28.91%) and products based on crab meat (n=12.25). It concludes that in regard to the marketing mix there is consumer dissatisfaction regarding the difficulty of finding the desired product more easily, the price considered high and the need to improve the taste of the products.