Shaping Sustainability Through Food Consumption: A Conceptual Perspective

Juta Deksne (), Jelena Lonska, Lienite Litavniece and Tatjana Tambovceva
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Juta Deksne: Centre for Economics and Governance, Rezekne Academy of Riga Technical University, LV-4601 Rezekne, Latvia
Jelena Lonska: Centre for Economics and Governance, Rezekne Academy of Riga Technical University, LV-4601 Rezekne, Latvia
Lienite Litavniece: Centre for Economics and Governance, Rezekne Academy of Riga Technical University, LV-4601 Rezekne, Latvia
Tatjana Tambovceva: Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management, Governance and Security Institute, Riga Technical University, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-55

Abstract: The food consumption stage, the final step in the food supply chain (FSC), where food has already undergone resource-intensive processes, plays a central role in the transition to a sustainable food system. Consumers’ food choices and consumption practices directly influence food demand, production methods, and resource use across the FSC. These factors affect global challenges such as overconsumption, malnutrition, hunger, and food waste (FW)—issues integral to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, this study aims to identify key aspects of the food consumption stage that influence the shift toward sustainability and to develop a conceptual framework to guide this transition. To achieve this, an integrative literature review (ILR), supported by bibliometric analysis and narrative review elements, was conducted to strengthen the conceptual foundation. The results reveal four central aspects: FW and its reduction, the need for dietary shifts, changes in consumer behaviour, and policy reform, highlighting the consumer and their behaviour as the central connecting element. Based on the findings, a framework was developed linking the identified problems with targeted solutions, which can be implemented through various tools that also act as drivers of change, enhancing sustainable food consumption, food system sustainability, and the achievement of global SDGs.

Keywords: sustainable food system; responsible food consumption; food supply chain; consumer behaviour; food waste; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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