Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on food habits and perceptions: A study with Brazilians

Abstract

Background Following the COVID-19 pandemic (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus) at the beginning of 2020, containment measures have been taken by different countries around the globe. Citizens were forced to stay in quarantine, affecting their food consumption habits and food sector. These impacts have not yet been properly understood. Thus, it is important to describe the consequences of COVID-19 on food consumption habits globally, especially in the context of developing countries, such as Brazil. Scope and approach In this study, the Brazilian's food consumption habits and perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic were assessed, highlighting the food consumption changes and selection of food products. Consumer perceptions about issues related to food safety and food marketing were also assessed. An online survey was performed and data were analyzed by descriptive analysis; independence and per cell chi-square test; and factor analysis. Key findings and conclusions Brazilians perceptions indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic context (assessed in May 2020) changed their food consumption and purchase. Respondents stated that they are eating and buying a greater amount of food, indicating a perception of a less healthy diet, mainly by women. On other hand, they are prioritizing homemade preparations and fresh food. Moreover, they reduced their shopping trips to markets and are starting to use delivery services and shopping platforms. Basic products of animal, vegetable, and bakery origin are being preferred during this period, in addition to economical packaging and products. Brazilians also indicated that they are more concerned with food safety and hygienic practices. However, at a time when global health is threatened, government agencies must create measures that ensure the food supply and consumer's awareness, in order to guarantee the country's food security during the current crisis.

Covid-19 as a chance for more food democracy in European cities? The responses of actors within Vienna's urban food system to the pandemic

“…Interviewees perceived that such activities were enabled by the increase of citizens' free time which highlights the interaction of the food system with other systems ( Geels, 2011 ) and the relevance of time for citizens to be able to participate in the food system actively (e.g., Tregear, 2011 ). This is in line with other studies that found that due to the closure of the gastronomy sector in many countries and the sudden time availability, people started to cook more and, in some cases, be more conscious about the food they purchased (see, for example, Hobbs (2020) , Ferreira Rodrigues et al (2021) , and Molina-Montes et al (2021) ). Actors from the regime sub-system also contributed to the community good, e.g., by donating food after the gastronomy sector's closure so it would not go to waste (resource sub-system) or directly donating gastronomy vouchers (citizens).…”

Factors Associated With Dietary Quality During Initial and Later Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mexico

“…Among our sample, food purchase patterns were also affected by the pandemic. We found that online food purchases increased; this was also reported in France, Brazil, and Morocco ( 17 , 36 , 43 ). Online food purchases can have a beneficial impact, since the shopper is not exposed to all of the store's marketing strategies, food cravings are reduced by not seeing the real food, and there is no immediate gratification ( 44 ).…”

“…Studies from Latin America and Europe consistently reported that there was an increase (measured or self-perceived) in the intake of legumes (15,20,31). Many studies reported an increase in fruits and vegetables (20,(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36), with few studies finding a decrease (17,37). Results were mixed for snacks/sweets, with some studies reporting a decrease (15,37), and others an increase (16,31,33,38).…”

What Motivates Consumer Food Safety Perceptions and Beliefs? A Scoping Review in BRICS Countries

“…Concern regarding food safety (results = 32) and risk perception (results = 31) were the motivators with the highest number of results among all categories and motivators. Regarding concerns regarding food safety, we can observe, for example, (a) greater concern with food safety and hygiene practices during the COVID-19 pandemic [75] (Brazil); (b) concern regarding pesticides [64] (India); and (c) food safety concerns that are inconsistent with selfreported practices [40] (South Africa). As expected, mixed results were observed for risk perception.…”