Chapter 1 - A food-system view of consumer behavior

Summary

Food choice is a dynamic and multifaceted process that profoundly influences human health, nutrition and environmental sustainability. It is shaped by an intricate interplay of individual, social, cultural, economic and environmental factors, which evolve over the life course and within broader contextual conditions. No single theory or discipline sufficiently explains the complexity of food-related decision-making, prompting a growing reliance on the food systems framework to understand how choices are embedded within the interconnected processes of food production, distribution, marketing, consumption and waste. This chapter discusses the need to adopt this systems perspective for addressing global challenges such as malnutrition, diet-related non-communicable diseases and environmental degradation. Within this context, consumers are recognised not only as passive recipients but as active agents whose choices and civic engagement can influence systemic change. Sensory and consumer science, traditionally focused on product attributes and preferences, is undergoing a paradigm shift, expanding its role to address public health, sustainability and wellbeing. This evolving discipline offers critical insights for aligning consumer experiences with broader societal goals, highlighting its potential to contribute meaningfully to the co-creation of healthier, more equitable and resilient food systems.

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DOI : doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-443-222...
NVA : hdl.handle.net/11250/5578102