Food Purchasing Decisions Research Articles

Understanding Consumer Beliefs and Choices Related to Food Safety: A Qualitative Study in Urban Ethiopia.

Provide an in-depth examination of consumers' food safety beliefs and practices to draw implications for interventions to improve nutrition and food safety in Ethiopia. Adapted Focused Ethnographic Study approach using in-person semi-structured interviews and free-listing exercises, in two iterative phases. A traditional food market in Hawassa, a mid-sized city. Forty-six market shoppers, selected randomly in line with quotas for age and gender. Consumers did not clearly differentiate between quality and safety, seeing them through connected concepts such as 'freshness'. While most respondents had some understanding of the causes of unsafe food, they did not generally worry about becoming ill themselves and felt food safety risks were easily mitigated through in-home behaviors. Thus, food safety practices were not a main motivator of market or vendor choice. There was no evidence that food safety concerns led consumers to prefer packaged, processed food or to avoid consuming fresh foods.Discussion: The study offers novel depth and detail on a topic of strong policy relevance. While building on an encouraging base of understanding of food safety, there remains considerable scope for increasing knowledge, particularly with regards to the need to procure safe food as opposed to expecting household-level practices to mitigate all safety risks. Motivating customers to give food safety factors more consideration when making food purchasing decisions, such as by leveraging emotion-based communication from trusted messengers to elevate the issue's salience in their minds, may contribute to improvements in food safety in low-income countries such as Ethiopia.

The Influence of Social Environment and Halal Awareness on Halal Food Purchasing Decisions with Halal Lifestyle as an Intervening Variable

This study aims to Assess and analyse the influence of social environment and halal awareness on purchasing decisions through halal lifestyle. The object of this research is the Islamic community in Toba Regency. Data collection using area sampling, then questionnaires were distributed to 100 respondents spread across 16 sub-districts in Toba Regency. This research method uses a quantitative approach with associative methods. The data analysis used is statistical analysis in the form of SEM PLS which is tested through outer model analysis and inner model analysis. The results showed that the direct influence of the social environment and halal awareness on purchasing decisions for halal food products had a positive and significant effect. Meanwhile, the indirect effect of the social environment on purchasing decisions for halal food products through a halal lifestyle has a positive and insignificant effect. However, the indirect effect of halal awareness on purchasing decisions through a halal lifestyle has a positive and significant effect. This means that a halal lifestyle cannot intervene in the relationship between the social environment and purchasing decisions, but can intervene in the relationship between halal awareness and purchasing decisions. The implications of this study are the importance of the role of the community in shaping halal consumption behaviour, strengthening education about the concept of halal and the importance of consuming halal products needs to be improved, especially among the younger generation

곤충 단백질을 활용한 고령친화식품 개발을 위한 소비자 요구도 조사

This study aims to investigate consumer perceptions of senior-friendly foods, specifically focusing on the development of such products using edible insects, to address the nutritional issues faced by the elderly. The study surveyed 125 elderly individuals aged 65 and older (45 men, 80 women, average age of 75.9 years) who use senior cultural centers in Seoul. Of these, 86.4% had medical conditions, with the most common being high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, and osteoporosis. The prevalence of arthritis and osteoporosis was significantly higher in women (p<0.05). Both men and women consumed meat 1-3 times a week, while fish and eggs were consumed more than once a day. Both men and women ate three regular meals. Men preferred softer foods more than women and favored foods that were ‘water-like’ in consistency when swallowing. The most preferred types of processed foods were ‘rice’, ‘tofu’, ‘fermented foods.’ The most important factor in food purchasing decisions was ‘nutrition’, with ‘meal replacement foods’ being the most preferred type of senior-friendly food. Regarding edible insect consumption, 83.2% had no experience with it (p<0.05), and 40.8% expressed willingness to try edible insects in the future (p<0.05). The concern about insect consumption was ‘unfamiliarity’, and the most preferred edible insect product was ‘nutritional supplements.’ This study highlights the preferences of the elderly for foods that are easy to chew, soft in texture, easy to swallow like water, and nutritionally balanced as meal replacements, suggesting these as key considerations for the development of senior-friendly foods in the future

Signals of change: eating trends shaping the future of food service

Food security is a problem across the world, as prices rise under pressure from climate change, geopolitics, demographics and de-globalisation. These factors, when combined, will impact on the food service sector. In this trends article, the authors identify ten trends that reflect the changes occurring in the food service sector. The trends analysis is based upon the predictive paradigm in futures studies which draws upon evidence, facts and observational research. The ten trends are: (1) climate change diets; (2) escapist indulgence; (3) moderation mantra; (4) evidence-based eating; (5) mood food; (6) digital food; (7) sustainable dining; (8) ethnic and fusion food; (9) local food; and (10) adventurous dining. The contribution of this article is that it clearly identifies the changes occurring in our eating patterns and food purchase decisions and provides a signal to food service operators and brands about the changes that are occurring and why.

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.

Modulating variables impacting the intersection of health and environmental concerns in organic food purchasing decisions

PurposeThe increasing focus of consumers on health and environmental sustainability continues to drive the demand for organic food. Despite the recognized importance of health and environmental concerns, the differential impact of these factors on organic food purchasing decisions is evident, indicating the presence of moderating variables. This investigation attempts to delineate these contingencies within the realms of socio-environmental and individual factors, paying particular attention to subjective norms, uncertainty, and egoistic values.Design/methodology/approachUsing the convenience sampling method, the primary data sample was collected by a professional market research consulting firm and included 1876 usable respondents from China. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was utilized to verify the model and test the relationships between the constructs.FindingsThe results indicated that the path from environmental concern to organic food purchase intention was significantly influenced by subjective norms and uncertainty, both of which enhance this relationship. In contrast, egoistic values appeared to dampen this effect. Uncertainty also emerged as a key factor in the link between health concerns and organic food purchase intention, albeit with an opposite impact, weakening the relationship.Practical implicationsThis study provides useful insights for academics and marketers to understand the complex phenomenon of organic consumer behavior. This result indicates that marketers can target reference groups to develop organic food marketing strategies.Originality/valueFew studies have proposed and validated a model with these moderating factors collectively to study the purchase intention of organic food consumers in China.

How Does the Religiosity and Halal Certification Influence Consumer Purchase Decision on Halal Food in Java, Indonesia

Rapid economic growth in several Muslim-majority countries that uphold Islamic values can encourage the growth of Islamic businesses and lifestyles, including Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world. Rapid economic growth spread to the non-Muslim consumer segment. Java Island is one of the islands in Indonesia with the largest adherents of Islam. This research aims to find out how religiosity and halal certification can influence halal awareness and purchase intention which can increase consumer purchase decision for halal food products. It's using 100 respondents spread across Java Island. The analytical method used is Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The research results show that religiosity and halal certification have a positive and significant effect on halal awareness and purchase intention. Then halal awareness and consumer purchasing intentions have a positive and significant influence on halal food purchasing decisions on the island of Java, Indonesia.

FACTORS DRIVING GEN Z PURCHASING DECISIONS TOWARDS STREET FOOD WITH THE MEDIATING ROLE OF PURCHASE INTENTION

Introduction: This study examines the influence of product knowledge, halal awareness, subjective norms, and attitudes on street food purchasing decisions through purchase intention as a mediating variable. Method: This research includes quantitative research with an explanatory research approach. The population used in this study is Gen Z Muslims in Surabaya. The sample in this study amounted to 330 respondents obtained from the sampling technique, namely accidental sampling. To test the hypotheses built using partial least square (PLS) analysis techniques with Smart-PLS Version 3.2.9 software tools. Results: The results stated that product knowledge, halal awareness, attitude, and subjective norm are not significant effect on purchasing decisions partially. However, all dependent variables affect decisions through purchase intention. Means, customer intentions become critical point before their making purchases. Conclusion and suggestion: In summary, understanding purchase intention through customer behavior is essential to be considered by business actors to increase consumer assessment of these products. In this case, business actors need to educate related to food regulation such as having halal logo and ensure the product safety. By having proper assessment food vendors will be able to promote their product and increase customer purchasing intention. Furthermore, policymakers and related stakeholders also need to support food regulation and safety by having proper law and supply chain of halal ingredients.

Application and validation of a Chinese version of the food choice questionnaire (FCQ)

To improve healthier food choice behaviors, it is necessary to investigate individual’s perceived importance of relevant motives involved in food purchase decisions. In this study, the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) was introduced to the Chinese population, and a more robust FCQ version (C-FCQ) containing 26 items loaded on eight first-order factors (Health, Nature content, Weight control, Mood, Familiarity, Sensory appeal, Convenience, Price) and three second-order factors (Composition concerns, Senses and Emotions, Time and Money saving) was obtained. There were 964 Chinese adults (66.49 % female) in this study, and 69 of whom completed a retest two weeks later. The composite reliability of the first and the second-order factors are above 0.7, and the test–retest reliability was 0.849. The C-FCQ was successfully used to compare differences in food choice motivation among Chinese groups with different demographic characteristics. The results showed that there were significant differences in food choice motivations among the different groups, and Sensory appeal, Health, and Price were the most important factors in Chinese residents’ food choices.

Investigating the Mediating Role of Green Consumerism on Organic Food Purchase Decisions in Medan City, Indonesia

Investigating the Mediating Role of Green Consumerism on Organic Food Purchase Decisions in Medan City, Indonesia

Quality, Service, and Price: Key Drivers of Food Purchase Decisions in Indonesia

This study aims to determine the purchase decision on product quality, service quality, and price of Nasi Goreng 69 in Sidoarjo. In this study using quantitative research and this study using a sampling technique that is Non Probability Sampling with Accidental Sampling type. The sample in this research is 96 respondents. Sources of data collection using a questionnaire method that uses a Likert scale 1-5. The data analysis method uses the Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis with the Outer Model and Inner Model Tests. The results of this study indicate that variable product quality effect on purchasing decisions, variable service quality effect on purchasing decisions and variable price effect on purchasing decisions

Breaking the Taboo: Understanding the Relationship between Perception, Beliefs, Willingness to Eat Insects, and Food Neophobia among Polish Adults.

Insects are a potential source of protein for direct human consumption or indirectly in processed foods. The research examined consumer perceptions and beliefs regarding the consumption of insects and food products containing insect proteins. The study aimed to identify beliefs about insect consumption, assess the perception of food products containing added insect proteins, and gain a deeper understanding of the role of food neophobia in accepting insects as an alternative source of protein. The data were collected in 2023 through a cross-sectional quantitative online survey of a group that was representative of consumers by age, gender, and region sample (n = 1000) who were responsible for food purchasing decisions in their households. While many respondents viewed foods enriched with insect protein as innovative and environmentally friendly, others found the idea of consuming insects repulsive and expressed concerns about potential allergic reactions. Food neophobia was a determining factor in respondents' beliefs and perceptions regarding the consumption of insects and food products containing insect proteins. Respondents were more inclined to consume products with added insect protein rather than visibly identifiable insects. The results highlight the need for targeted marketing strategies and product development approaches to align with the varied expectations of consumers in the rapidly expanding insect-based food market.

Abstract P483: Food Purchase Priorities and Healthy Food Purchase Supports and Barriers for U.S. General and Low-Income Consumers: A Quantitative Survey

Introduction: Identifying priorities and attributes that influence food purchase decisions will inform interventions and strategies to promote healthy eating. Aim: This study aimed to identify food purchase priorities and healthy food purchase supports and barriers for the general population and those with limited household income. Methods: Participants were recruited by a market research company in May 2023 and were required to be ≥ 18 years old, not work in healthcare/medical/nutrition or advertising/public relations/marketing/market research and be the primary/shared food decision maker for the household. Recruitment quotas ensured age, income, gender and geographic region approximated 2022 US census data (n=1,182) (Census-representative group, CRG). A sample with limited income and participation in federal food or healthcare programs (low-income group, LIG) was also recruited (n=506). The survey was administered online in May and June 2023. Differences between LIG and CRG were assessed using z-tests (p < 0.05). Results: Taste was most commonly rated by CRG as very or extremely important in household food purchasing (87%). Availability, price, ingredients and nutritional value were also important to at least two-thirds of CRG. Taste was similarly important to LIG (85%), but they were more likely to rate price and less likely to rate availability, nutritional value and ingredients as important. When prompted to choose the most important factor, price and taste were the most common responses, chosen by similar proportions of CRG, while price was the most important factor for LIG, followed by taste. CRG versus LIG were more likely to prioritize personal taste over cost, health and nutrition information on labels, buying local and selecting according to nutrition, brand and origin/sourcing information. CRG were less likely than LIG to prefer a lower cost and usually select according to price. LIG were more likely than CRG to state that nothing supports them in selecting healthier foods and less likely to have found support from good-tasting recipes, advance meal or grocery list preparation, cooking equipment access, following influencers, recommendations from organizations or consulting a dietitian/nutritionist. Conversely, LIG were more likely to identify price and availability as barriers to selecting healthier foods, and less likely to see long preparation time, small servings sizes or nothing as barriers. Conclusions: Cost is a strong barrier to healthy eating, especially with limited income, along with taste, while nutrition is not a leading influence on food choice. Strategies to enable healthy eating among low-income households must prioritize taste and cost.

Korean Waves Popularity on Korean Food Purchasing Decisions in Jakarta

Purpose: The goal of this study was to ascertain whether the popularity or trend of the Korean Wave influences Korean food purchases in Jakarta. Research method: Quantitative research methodologies are being used in this study. Sources of information were gathered through observation and questionnaires, as well as primary and secondary data. The research population consisted of 83 customers at Annyeong Korean Food Café Tebet. Result and discussion: The results of observations in the R table obtained a sample value (N) = 30 of 0.3061, resulting in a value (R.Calculated) greater than R.Table. Apart from that, the purchasing decision variables (Variable Y) all produce values (R.Calculated) greater than R.Table. So, this research can be said to be valid—the reliability test results and all the variable results. The linearity test shows the Sig value. The deviation from linearity is 0.384, which is greater than 0.05. There is a linear relationship between the Korean Wave variable and the Purchasing Decision Variable. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test with SPSS shows a significance value of 0.078, more significant than 0.05. So, it can be concluded that the residual values are normally distributed so that the results of this analysis can be continued for further testing. The Pearson test produced a value of 0.766, more significant than the R table value of 0.213. So, it can be concluded that there is a strong relationship between the Korean Wave variable (X) and purchasing decisions (Y) because the value on the correlation coefficient scale is 0.60 – 0.79. Implication: From the research results, theoretical implications can be put forward, and it can be concluded that there is a strong impact between the Korean wave and the purchasing decision of Korean Food. Keywords: Popularity, Korean Wave, Purchase Decision, Korean Food

Exploring food purchase decisions in food insecure households: An exploratory qualitative study in an emerging Latin American country

An in-depth understanding of how citizens make their food choices is necessary to develop targeted strategies to promote healthier dietary habits. However, studies with vulnerable populations in non-WEIRD (Western-Educated-Industrialized-Rich-Democratic) societies are still scarce. In this context, the present study aimed at exploring the food purchase decisions of adults in charge of children and adolescents living in households experiencing food insecurity in Uruguay, an emerging Latin American country. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with beneficiaries of food assistance programs from both the state and civil society in four Uruguayan cities. The transcripts were analyzed using content analysis based on inductive coding. Three main themes related to food purchase decisions were identified: frequency of food purchasing, food purchase locations, and motives underlying food choice. Income was identified as the key determinant of food choice. Participants reported experiencing challenges for managing their limited household budget, struggling to purchase food throughout the month. They relied on an intricate set of multiple strategies to maximize the quantity of foods they can purchase with their limited household budget. Despite extreme focus on the immediate lack of money, food purchase decisions seemed to be highly rational, instead of driven by automatic or impulsive processes. Results have relevant implications for the development of strategies to promote healthier eating patterns among socioeconomically vulnerable sectors of the population in Uruguay and similar settings.

Sweet home or battle of the sexes: who dominates food purchasing decisions?

By analysing big data collected from 1990 to 2017 on the consumption behaviours of men and women living alone and in heterosexual couples in Switzerland, we classified 75 food items in terms of their consumption within couple versus single households. We defined and quantified the gender dominance exhibited in the food purchasing activities of couples. Our results showed that to form consumption of couples, the average consumption of single women weighted 0.6, while that of men weighted 0.38. In addition, couples were found to consume more drinks and pricier foods than singles. Our findings span various areas, including the socioeconomics of food, food choice, social eating, gender power, eating behaviour and population and consumer studies. The robustness of the findings may be validated for other countries and cultures, and the findings may be of interest to researchers from various fields.

Understanding family food purchasing behaviour of low-income urban UK families: An analysis of parent capability, opportunity and motivation

ObjectiveFamily food purchasing decisions have a direct influence on children's food environments and are powerful predictors of obesity and dietary quality. This study explored parents' capability, opportunities, and motivations regarding food purchasing for their families, as well as barriers and facilitators of healthy food purchasing behaviour, in an ethnically diverse, low-income area. DesignSemi-structured interviews with parents of under-11-year-old children were conducted to investigate family food purchases, both when eating inside and outside the home. Interviews were analysed using framework analysis mapped against the COM-B model (Michie et al., 2011). SettingAn ethnically diverse, low-income area in Birmingham, UK. ParticipantsSixteen parents (13F, 3M) of under-11-year-old children. 75% Pakistani, 12.5% White British, 6.3% White and Black Caribbean, and 6.3% “Other”. ResultsFour themes were identified: i) I know how to provide healthy meals for my family, ii) Family food purchase decisions are complex, iii) I want what they are eating and iv) Healthy eating is important but eating outside of the home is a treat. The barriers of healthy family food purchasing were predominantly at family and community levels, including time, cost, and both parents' and children's food enjoyment and preferences. Facilitators of healthy family food purchasing were primarily identified at an individual level, with high levels of capability and motivation for healthy food provision. ConclusionsAttempts to enhance parental capability to improve healthy food purchasing through nutrition education is not likely to be a useful intervention target in this group. Emphasis on enjoyment, palatability and value for money could be key to increasing parental motivation to purchase healthy family foods.

Research on Consumer Behavior Theory of Green Food Purchase Decision: Process Analysis and Exploration of Influencing Factors

Research on Consumer Behavior Theory of Green Food Purchase Decision: Process Analysis and Exploration of Influencing Factors

BGC Trust University Bangladesh, BGC Biddyanagar, Kanchan Nagar, Chandanaish, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

Organic foods are becoming more attractive to consumers than conventional foods globally, mainly driven by perceived positive impacts on consumer health, environment, and sustainable development. This research aims to uncover the factors influencing consumers' organic food purchasing decisions in Bangladesh, especially Chattogram. This study employs purposive sampling methods to collect 435 responses from people who buy organic foods from different urban and sub-urban areas in Chattogram, Bangladesh, from various green markets, raw markets, super stores, and departmental stores. A Sophisticated Statistical Technique, "Factor Analysis" (Principal Component Analysis, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis), is used to understand why consumers purchase organic foods. The result showed nine factors, where the first consideration is perceived value, followed by marketing strategy, health consciousness, availability, attitudes, trust, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The factor analysis results revealed that nine factors account for 61.85% of the variance of consumers' organic food purchasing decisions. This study's findings suggest that all these nine factors influence consumers' organic purchasing decisions: perceived value, marketing strategy, health consciousness, availability, attitudes, Trust, environmental concern, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. These findings are crucial for producers and authorities responsible for ensuring nutritional value, health concerns, and ecological sustainability.

Food values and purchase decisions in emerging markets: Empirical evidence from Kenya

Food values and purchase decisions in emerging markets: Empirical evidence from Kenya