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Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices
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Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2023) | Viewed by 46134

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. F. Xavier Medina

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Guest Editor
Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
Interests: anthropology of food; food studies; food sustainability; mediterranean cultures; mediterranean diet
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Francesc Fusté-Forné

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Business, University of Girona, 17004 Girona, Spain
Interests: food; gastronomy; heritage; marketing; media; tourism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Nela Filimon

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Business, University of Girona, 17004 Girona, Spain
Interests: consumer behavior; cultural marketing; social media; sociology of consumption
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Food is not only a source of nutrition for humans, but it also refers to physical and human dynamics. The understanding of food products, preferences, and practices provides knowledge about historical and contemporary uses. In addition, foods and drinks are both identity and attraction factors of regions around the world. In this sense, there is a great variety of actors, cultures, and practices that food value chains include.  This Special Issue on the ‘Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices’ aims to discuss the protection and promotion of ‘food’, from a broad perspective, through private and public campaigns, food-based experiences, (social) media platforms, food cultures, healthy and sustainable food practices. The Special Issue welcomes submissions that deal with the development of food awareness in relation to both daily and leisure activities, where travel and cultural differences can also enhance food as tangible and intangible heritage of a territory. The objective of this Special Issue is to publish original and innovative research papers and case studies, from both qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches.

Best regards,
Prof. Dr. F. Xavier Medina
Dr. Francesc Fusté-Forné
Dr. Nela Filimon
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 280 KiB  
Editorial
Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices: Old Challenges and New Insights
by F. Xavier Medina, Francesc Fusté-Forné and Nela Filimon
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(9), 5691; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20095691 - 01 May 2023
Viewed by 1345
Abstract
Food is not only a source of nutrition for humans; it also encompasses social, cultural, and psychological dynamics [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices)

Research

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8 pages, 695 KiB  
Article
Protein Supplementation in a Prehabilitation Program in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Endometrial Cancer
by Josep M. Sole-Sedeno, Ester Miralpeix, Maria-Dolors Muns, Cristina Rodriguez-Cosmen, Berta Fabrego, Nadwa Kanjou, Francesc-Xavier Medina and Gemma Mancebo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(8), 5502; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20085502 - 13 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1464
Abstract
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and prehabilitation programs are multidisciplinary care pathways to reduce stress response and improve perioperative outcomes, which also include nutritional interventions. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of protein supplementation with 20 mg per day [...] Read more.
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and prehabilitation programs are multidisciplinary care pathways to reduce stress response and improve perioperative outcomes, which also include nutritional interventions. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of protein supplementation with 20 mg per day before surgery in a prehabilitation program in postoperative serum albumin, prealbumin, and total proteins in endometrial cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Methods: A prospective study including patients who underwent laparoscopy for endometrial cancer was conducted. Three groups were identified according to ERAS and prehabilitation implementation (preERAS, ERAS, and Prehab). The primary outcome was levels of serum albumin, prealbumin, and total protein 24–48 h after surgery. Results: A total of 185 patients were included: 57 in the preERAS group, 60 in the ERAS group, and 68 in the Prehab group. There were no basal differences in serum albumin, prealbumin, or total protein between the three groups. After surgery, regardless of the nutritional intervention, the decrease in the values was also similar. Moreover, values in the Prehab group just before surgery were lower than the initial ones, despite the protein supplementation. Conclusions: Supplementation with 20 mg of protein per day does not impact serum protein levels in a prehabilitation program. Supplementations with higher quantities should be studied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices)
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18 pages, 2324 KiB  
Article
Categorizations of Trust and Distrust in the Classifications and Social Representations of Food among Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in Spain—Applying the Cultural Domains’ Pile Sort Technique
by Araceli Muñoz, Cristina Larrea-Killinger, Andrés Fontalba-Navas and Miguel Company-Morales
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4195; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20054195 - 26 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1679
Abstract
Food is fundamental in the decision making of pregnant and breastfeeding women to care for their own health and that of their child. In this paper, we explore some common food classification systems and certain attributes assigned to these categories, represented by values [...] Read more.
Food is fundamental in the decision making of pregnant and breastfeeding women to care for their own health and that of their child. In this paper, we explore some common food classification systems and certain attributes assigned to these categories, represented by values of trust and distrust. This study is based on an interdisciplinary research project in which we analysed discourses and practices regarding the dietary intake of pregnant and breastfeeding women in relation to the presence of chemical substances in foods. The results presented are part of the second phase of this research where we explored the results of our analysis of the pile sort technique based on an analysis of cultural domains in order to explore the categories and semantic relations among terms regarding trust and distrust in food. This technique was applied to the 62 pregnant and breastfeeding women of Catalonia and Andalusia. These women also participated in eight focus groups that provided information and narratives enabling us to analyse the meanings of the associative subdomains obtained in the pile sorts. They classified different foods and assigned certain attributes to them according to the level of trust and mistrust, providing a social representation of food risks. The mothers expressed great concern about the quality of the food they consume and about its possible effects on their own health and on that of their child. They perceive that an adequate diet is one based on the consumption of fruits and vegetables, preferably fresh. Fish and meat generate serious concern, as their properties are considered ambivalent depending on the food’s origin and mode of production. These criteria are perceived by women as relevant to their food decisions and, therefore, emic knowledge should be taken into account when developing food safety programmes and planning actions aimed at pregnant and breastfeeding women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices)
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13 pages, 745 KiB  
Article
Consumers’ Acceptability and Perception of Edible Insects as an Emerging Protein Source
by Marta Ros-Baró, Violeida Sánchez-Socarrás, Maria Santos-Pagès, Anna Bach-Faig and Alicia Aguilar-Martínez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15756; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192315756 - 26 Nov 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5396
Abstract
In recent years in Western Europe, studies on entomophagy have drawn the attention of many researchers interested in identifying parameters that could improve the acceptability of insect consumption in order to introduce insects as a sustainable source of protein into the future diet. [...] Read more.
In recent years in Western Europe, studies on entomophagy have drawn the attention of many researchers interested in identifying parameters that could improve the acceptability of insect consumption in order to introduce insects as a sustainable source of protein into the future diet. Analysing the factors involved in consumer acceptability in the Mediterranean area could help to improve their future acceptance. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an ad-hoc questionnaire in which 1034 consumers participated. The questionnaire responses allowed us to study the areas relevant to acceptance: neophobia, social norms, familiarity, experiences of consumption and knowledge of benefits. Only 13.15% of participants had tried insects. Disgust, lack of custom and food safety were the main reasons for avoiding insect consumption. Consequently, preparations with an appetising appearance need to be offered, with flours being the most accepted format. The 40–59-year-old age group was the one most willing to consume them. To introduce edible insects as food in the future, it is important to inform people about their health, environmental and economic benefits because that could increase their willingness to include them in their diet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices)
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16 pages, 1074 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Interpretive Packaged Food Labels on Consumer Purchase Intention: The Comparative Analysis of Efficacy and Inefficiency of Food Labels
by Muhammad Zeeshan Zafar, Xiangjiao Shi, Hailan Yang, Jaffar Abbas and Jiakui Chen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15098; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192215098 - 16 Nov 2022
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3945
Abstract
The objectives of this study are twofold. Firstly, the current study elucidates the impact and efficacy of food labels in developing consumers’ attitudes and intentions towards the selection of nutritional food. Secondly, the inefficacy of labels in developing consumers’ attitudes and intentions towards [...] Read more.
The objectives of this study are twofold. Firstly, the current study elucidates the impact and efficacy of food labels in developing consumers’ attitudes and intentions towards the selection of nutritional food. Secondly, the inefficacy of labels in developing consumers’ attitudes and intentions towards healthy packaged food selection is demonstrated. The supportive theories of the current model are those of reasoned action and protection motivation. The data of 797 respondents have been collected from four major grocery stores in Pakistan. The structural equation model has been employed for the analysis of data. The results indicate that the efficacy of food labels has a positive significant effect on attitudes towards familiar and unfamiliar foods. In contrast to this, inefficacy in labelling has shown a positive significant effect on familiar foods but is insignificant for unfamiliar foods. The user-friendly food labels significantly affect unfamiliar foods in terms promoting consumer attitudes. Reciprocally, the inefficacy of labels creates a hindrance to the reading of unfamiliar labels while purchasing food items. The study findings reveal the fact that food label information and its format influences consumer attitudes and intentions at the point of purchase. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices)
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16 pages, 2199 KiB  
Article
The Evaluation of Rural Outdoor Dining Environment from Consumer Perspective
by Mian Yang, Wenjie Fan, Jian Qiu, Sining Zhang and Jinting Li
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 13767; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192113767 - 23 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1834
Abstract
The quality of the environment should be measured by the satisfaction of the public and guided by the issues of public concern. With the development of the internet, social media as the main platform for people to exchange information has become a data [...] Read more.
The quality of the environment should be measured by the satisfaction of the public and guided by the issues of public concern. With the development of the internet, social media as the main platform for people to exchange information has become a data source for planning and management analysis. Nowadays, the rural catering industry is becoming increasingly competitive, especially after the pandemic. How to further enhance the competitiveness of the rural catering industry has become a hot topic in the industry. From the perspective of consumers, we explored consumers’ preferences in a rural outdoor dining environment through social media data. The research analyzed the social media data through manual collection and object detection, divided the landscape of the rural outdoor dining environment into eight categories with 35 landscape elements, and then used BP (Back Propagation) neural network nonlinear fitting and least square linear fitting to analyze the 11,410 effective review pictures from eight rural restaurants’ social media comments in Chengdu. We derived the degree of consumer preference for the landscape quality of the rural outdoor dining environment and analyzed the differences in preference among three different groups (regular customers, customers with children, and customers with the elderly). The study found that agricultural resources are an important factor in the competitiveness of rural restaurant environments; that children’s emotions when using activity facilities can positively influence consumers’ dining experiences; that safety and hygiene environment are important factors influencing the decisions of parent–child dining; and that older people are more interested in outdoor nature, etc. The research results provide suggestions and knowledge for rural restaurant managers and designers through human-oriented needs from the perspective of consumers, and clarify the preferences and expectations of different consumer groups for rural restaurant landscapes while achieving the goal of rural landscape protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices)
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23 pages, 1940 KiB  
Article
Quality Food Products as a Tourist Attraction in the Province of Córdoba (Spain)
by Mª Genoveva Dancausa Millán and Mª Genoveva Millán Vázquez de la Torre
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12754; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191912754 - 05 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1677
Abstract
Traveling to learn about the gastronomy of a destination is becoming increasingly important among tourists, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Quality foods endorsed by protected designations of origin (PDOs) are increasingly in demand, as are experiences related to their production processes. [...] Read more.
Traveling to learn about the gastronomy of a destination is becoming increasingly important among tourists, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Quality foods endorsed by protected designations of origin (PDOs) are increasingly in demand, as are experiences related to their production processes. In this study, the seven PDOs in the province of Córdoba (Spain) are analyzed. These PDOs produce olive oil, wine or ham. A field study was performed, whereby 315 gastronomic tourists who visited a gastronomic route or a PDO in Córdoba were surveyed. The objective was to characterize the profile of visiting tourists and to anticipate future demand using ARIMA models. The results indicate that the growth in gastronomic tourism in Córdoba is lower than that in the wider region, and that there are no significant differences among the different profiles (oil tourist, enotourist and ham tourists) due in part to the fact that most tourists travel from nearby regions. The novelty of this study is that three products are analyzed, and strategies are proposed to deseasonalize this type of tourism, for example, by creating a gastronomic brand that represents Córdoba and selling products under that brand (especially in international markets), by highlighting raw materials and prepared dishes and by making gastronomy a complement to heritage tourism in the city and rural tourism in the province. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices)
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9 pages, 348 KiB  
Article
Are Spanish Surveys Ready to Detect the Social Factors of Obesity?
by Cecilia Díaz-Méndez, Sonia Otero-Estévez and Sandra Sánchez-Sánchez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11156; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191811156 - 06 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1326
Abstract
The social origins of obesity are now recognised: a problem that is initially biological is today a public health problem with a social origin. This paper raises the question of whether the official statistical sources used to understand changes in diet are able [...] Read more.
The social origins of obesity are now recognised: a problem that is initially biological is today a public health problem with a social origin. This paper raises the question of whether the official statistical sources used to understand changes in diet are able to detect this shift in analysis. After reviewing the social factors that explain obesity, we examine the official Spanish statistics that can inform about dietary changes: the ENS National Health Survey, the EPF Family Budget Survey, and the EET Time Use Survey, all carried out by the Spanish Statistical Office. All of them include socio-demographic variables and some locational variables. However, the lack of health variables in the economic survey and the lack of social variables in the health survey prevent the gathering of reliable scientific evidence to offer solid support in stopping the obesity epidemic. Food has become particularly important as one of the main areas where unhealthy decisions and choices involve high risk; the situation also demonstrates the relationship between social inequality and obesity. Obesity is now understood in a radically different way and the origin of the problem lies in social and cultural factors. The current surveys do not provide the resources to capture the social causality of obesity, but slight modifications would help expand their capabilities and offer reliable scientific evidence to stop the obesity epidemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices)
18 pages, 1526 KiB  
Article
Preference-Based Determinants of Consumer Choice on the Polish Organic Food Market
by Agnieszka Dudziak and Anna Kocira
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10895; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191710895 - 01 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2238
Abstract
Background: The development of the organic food market in Poland is currently at a fairly high level. There is a growing demand for organic food, but the share of total sales remains low. There are still many barriers related to the availability of [...] Read more.
Background: The development of the organic food market in Poland is currently at a fairly high level. There is a growing demand for organic food, but the share of total sales remains low. There are still many barriers related to the availability of organic food and information about it. In addition, consumers are skeptical of the inspection system in organic farming and admit that these foods do not meet their expectations regarding sensory qualities. Methods: The article conducted its own research, using an author’s survey questionnaire, which was distributed in Lublin Province. The research sample consisted of 342 respondents and was diverse in terms of gender, age and place of residence. The purpose of the analysis was to ascertain the determinants affecting the choice of organic food. For the study, the method of correspondence analysis was used, the purpose of which was to isolate characteristic groups of consumers who exhibit certain behaviors towards organic products. Results: Respondents admitted that they buy organic food several times a month, most often spending an amount of EUR 10–20 (per month). They also paid attention to product labeling, with labels read mostly by residents of small towns (up to 30,000 residents). Respondents were also asked about the reasons why they do not buy organic food. The results of the analysis show that respondents believe it is too expensive, but they also cannot point out differences with other products. Conclusions: The main purpose of this article was to study the preferences of organic food buyers and to identify factors that determine their choice but that may also be barriers to purchasing this category of food. These issues need to be further explored so as to create recommendations in this regard for various participants in the organic food market. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices)
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17 pages, 3381 KiB  
Article
Prospects for the Development of the Demand for Carp in Poland among Young Consumers
by Magdalena Raftowicz
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3831; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19073831 - 23 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2239
Abstract
Carp fishing economy in Poland has a centuries-old tradition. However, in the last decade, as a result of changes in global market trends, this industry has experienced stagnation. Still, the elimination of this niche industry may have painful consequences for the entire ecosystem [...] Read more.
Carp fishing economy in Poland has a centuries-old tradition. However, in the last decade, as a result of changes in global market trends, this industry has experienced stagnation. Still, the elimination of this niche industry may have painful consequences for the entire ecosystem and biodiversity. Hence, every effort should be made to protect and maintain the status quo. The aim of the article is an attempt to show that the development prospects for the carp market in Poland are limited, especially in the face of little interest in carp consumption by young adult consumers, who will create the demand for carp in the near future. The remedy may be to change the image of the carp together with a territorial marketing strategy that would be consistent with the preferences of the young generation. The research was conducted on the basis of a critical analysis of the literature of the subject, focus studies, questionnaires and a case study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices)
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13 pages, 355 KiB  
Article
Culinary Solitude in the Diet of People with Functional Diversity
by Carmen Cipriano-Crespo, Francesc-Xavier Medina and Lorenzo Mariano-Juárez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3624; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19063624 - 18 Mar 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1851
Abstract
This qualitative ethnographic study identifies how problems in the feeding process of a group of people with functional diversity influence different eating situations. The study, which was carried out in the Autonomous Community of Castilla La Mancha, Spain, is based on interviews conducted [...] Read more.
This qualitative ethnographic study identifies how problems in the feeding process of a group of people with functional diversity influence different eating situations. The study, which was carried out in the Autonomous Community of Castilla La Mancha, Spain, is based on interviews conducted at the headquarters of the different participating associations for functionally diverse people, at the participants’ homes, and in public spaces. The study included 27 subjects aged between 18–75 years. Their functional diversity had caused significant changes in their sociability, particularly in contexts associated with food consumption. The analysis identified three main themes: social ghettoisation and culinary loneliness; stigma, shame, feeling like a burden, and loneliness; and exclusion or self-exclusion at the dining table. Our participants’ narratives underscored the importance of acknowledging the significance of changes in eating-related sociability due to functional diversity. For the study subjects, grief, loneliness, and shame contributed to disassociating food consumption from social celebrations, withdrawing from restaurant meals, or conversations while eating to avoid other people’s stares. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices)
17 pages, 1882 KiB  
Article
Central Persons in Sustainable (Food) Consumption
by Carolin V. Zorell
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 3139; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19053139 - 07 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2417
Abstract
What people eat has become a highly political issue, closely intertwined with public health, environmental concerns, and climate change. Individuals’ consumption decisions tend to be greatly influenced by the people that surround them, and this seems to be especially true when it comes [...] Read more.
What people eat has become a highly political issue, closely intertwined with public health, environmental concerns, and climate change. Individuals’ consumption decisions tend to be greatly influenced by the people that surround them, and this seems to be especially true when it comes to food. In recent years, alongside close contacts, such as family and friends, a myriad of social influencers have appeared on the screens, sharing opinions on what (not) to eat. Presenting results from a youth survey conducted in Sweden in 2019 (N = 443), this paper shows that social media have become the primary source of information about food and eating for youths, followed by schools and families. However, primary sources of influence continue to be parents and the family at large. Furthermore, the study shows that it is possible to identify ‘central persons’, i.e., relatively clear-cut groups of people whose food choices—measured as tendency to eat climate friendly—is mirrored by the youths, both in their everyday food preferences and in their broader political awareness as expressed through political consumerism. A conclusion from this is that certain people can be particularly successful at inspiring larger numbers of other people to engage with healthier and environmentally friendlier (food) consumption in a society. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices)
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15 pages, 651 KiB  
Article
In the Labyrinth of Dietary Patterns and Well-Being—When Eating Healthy Is Not Enough to Be Well
by Renata Nestorowicz, Ewa Jerzyk and Anna Rogala
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1259; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031259 - 23 Jan 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2397
Abstract
This paper aims to identify the relation between food consumption and well-being, and the level of well-being depending on a diet followed. Moreover, we analyze whether people driven by single motives, such as the health, pleasure or social dimension of food declare the [...] Read more.
This paper aims to identify the relation between food consumption and well-being, and the level of well-being depending on a diet followed. Moreover, we analyze whether people driven by single motives, such as the health, pleasure or social dimension of food declare the lower or higher level of well-being than those motivated by a larger number of factors. The survey was conducted online (CAWI, n = 1067). The following scales were used: Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), Satisfaction with Food-related Life Scale (SWFL), Health Taste Attitude Scales (HTAS) and Social Dimension of Food Meaning. The data analysis was carried out with the application of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), partial eta squared, a t-Student’s test, the Hochberg test, the Games-Howell test, and Pearson’s correlation. Levels of Subjective Well-Being (SWB) and Food Well-Being (FWB) are strongly correlated with consumers’ dietary pattern. The frequency of consumption of organic food and following vegan, low salt, and low sugar diets leads to higher levels of SWB, while FWB is additionally affected by the regular consumption of low-fat products and foods that improve one’s mood. The level of well-being is linked with the motivation to follow specific diets and attentiveness related to dietary patterns. People paying attention to the health aspects, pleasure and social dimension of food meaning show higher level of FWB than people focusing exclusively on health aspects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices)
17 pages, 1040 KiB  
Article
Health Related Values and Preferences Regarding Meat Intake: A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Study
by Claudia Valli, Marilina Santero, Anna Prokop-Dorner, Victoria Howatt, Bradley C. Johnston, Joanna Zajac, Mi-Ah Han, Ana Pereira, Fernando Kenji Nampo, Gordon H. Guyatt, Malgorzata M. Bala, Pablo Alonso-Coello and Montserrat Rabassa
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11585; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182111585 - 04 Nov 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2445
Abstract
Background. In addition to social and environmental determinants, people’s values and preferences determine daily food choices. This study evaluated adults’ values and preferences regarding unprocessed red meat (URM) and processed meat (PM) and their willingness to change their consumption in the face of [...] Read more.
Background. In addition to social and environmental determinants, people’s values and preferences determine daily food choices. This study evaluated adults’ values and preferences regarding unprocessed red meat (URM) and processed meat (PM) and their willingness to change their consumption in the face of possible undesirable health consequences. Methods. A cross-sectional mixed-methods study including a quantitative assessment through an online survey, a qualitative inquiry through semi-structured interviews, and a follow-up assessment through a telephone survey. We performed descriptive statistics, logistic regressions, and thematic analysis. Results. Of 304 participants, over 75% were unwilling to stop their consumption of either URM or PM, and of those unwilling to stop, over 80% were also unwilling to reduce. Men were less likely to stop meat intake than women (odds ratios < 0.4). From the semi-structured interviews, we identified three main themes: the social and/or family context of meat consumption, health- and non-health-related concerns about meat, and uncertainty of the evidence. At three months, 63% of participants reported no changes in meat intake. Conclusions. When informed about the cancer incidence and mortality risks of meat consumption, most respondents would not reduce their intake. Public health and clinical nutrition guidelines should ensure that their recommendations are consistent with population values and preferences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices)
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Review

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22 pages, 6007 KiB  
Review
A Thematic Review on Using Food Delivery Services during the Pandemic: Insights for the Post-COVID-19 Era
by Yezheng Li, Pinyi Yao, Syuhaily Osman, Norzalina Zainudin and Mohamad Fazli Sabri
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15267; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192215267 - 18 Nov 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5579
Abstract
The food delivery service is the most typical and visible example of online-to-offline (O2O) commerce. More consumers are using food delivery services for various reasons during the COVID-19 pandemic, making this business model viral worldwide. In the post-pandemic era, offering food delivery services [...] Read more.
The food delivery service is the most typical and visible example of online-to-offline (O2O) commerce. More consumers are using food delivery services for various reasons during the COVID-19 pandemic, making this business model viral worldwide. In the post-pandemic era, offering food delivery services will become the new normal for restaurants. Although a growing number of publications have focused on consumer behavior in this issue, no review paper has addressed current research and industry trends. Thus, this paper aims to review the literature published from 2020 to the present (October 2022) on consumers’ use of food delivery services during the pandemic. A thematic review was conducted, with 40 articles searched from Scopus and Web of Science being included. Quantitative findings showed current research trends, and thematic analyses formed eight themes of factors influencing consumer behavior: (1) technical and utilitarian factors, (2) system-related attributes, (3) emotional and hedonic factors, (4) individual characteristics, (5) service quality, (6) risk-related factors, (7) social factors, and (8) food-related attributes. The paper also emphasizes COVID-19-related influences and suggests promising future research directions. The results offer insights into industry practices and starting points for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices)
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29 pages, 6911 KiB  
Systematic Review
Edible Insect Consumption for Human and Planetary Health: A Systematic Review
by Marta Ros-Baró, Patricia Casas-Agustench, Diana Alícia Díaz-Rizzolo, Laura Batlle-Bayer, Ferran Adrià-Acosta, Alícia Aguilar-Martínez, Francesc-Xavier Medina, Montserrat Pujolà and Anna Bach-Faig
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11653; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191811653 - 15 Sep 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5997
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to examine the health outcomes and environmental impact of edible insect consumption. Following PRISMA-P guidelines, PubMed, Medline ProQuest, and Cochrane Library databases were searched until February 2021. Twenty-five articles met inclusion criteria: twelve animal and six human studies (randomized, [...] Read more.
This systematic review aimed to examine the health outcomes and environmental impact of edible insect consumption. Following PRISMA-P guidelines, PubMed, Medline ProQuest, and Cochrane Library databases were searched until February 2021. Twenty-five articles met inclusion criteria: twelve animal and six human studies (randomized, non-randomized, and crossover control trials), and seven studies on sustainability outcomes. In animal studies, a supplement (in powdered form) of 0.5 g/kg of glycosaminoglycans significantly reduced abdominal and epididymal fat weight (5–40% and 5–24%, respectively), blood glucose (10–22%), and total cholesterol levels (9–10%), and a supplement of 5 mg/kg chitin/chitosan reduced body weight (1–4%) and abdominal fat accumulation (4%) versus control diets. In other animal studies, doses up to 7–15% of edible insect inclusion level significantly improved the live weight (9–33%), reduced levels of triglycerides (44%), cholesterol (14%), and blood glucose (8%), and increased microbiota diversity (2%) versus control diet. In human studies, doses up to 7% of edible insect inclusion level produced a significant improvement in gut health (6%) and reduction in systemic inflammation (2%) versus control diets and a significant increase in blood concentrations of essential and branched-chain amino acids and slowing of digestion (40%) versus whey treatment. Environmental indicators (land use, water footprint, and greenhouse gas emissions) were 40–60% lower for the feed and food of edible insects than for traditional animal livestock. More research is warranted on the edible insect dose responsible for health effects and on environmental indicators of edible insects for human nutrition. This research demonstrates how edible insects can be an alternative protein source not only to improve human and animal nutrition but also to exert positive effects on planetary health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Awareness of Food Products, Preferences and Practices)
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