Analysis of the Importance of Food Sustainability and the Consumption of Organic and Local Products in the Spanish Population

Elena Sandri, Agnese Broccolo and Michela Piredda ()
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Elena Sandri: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Quevedo, 2, 46001 Valencia, Spain
Agnese Broccolo: Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Via Montpellier, 00133 Rome, Italy
Michela Piredda: Research Unit of Nursing Science, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico di Roma University, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-18

Abstract: This study analyzes the significance of food sustainability and the consumption of organic and local products within the Spanish population. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1087 Spanish adults, with data collected from December 2023 to March 2024 using the validated NutSo-HH questionnaire. Sociodemographic variables, dietary habits, and sustainability concerns were assessed. Traditional statistics were used to study the influence of sociodemographic variables, whereas principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify correlations between health-related and sustainability variables. The results indicated a higher awareness of sustainability among women and middle-aged adults compared to younger individuals. Additionally, respondents with higher education levels reported a greater frequency of local product consumption. At the same time, most participants expressed moderate importance toward sustainability and fewer consistently purchased organic products. PCA revealed a positive correlation between sustainability awareness and the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and pulses while showing a negative association with the consumption of fast and ultra-processed foods. Furthermore, individuals with health-related education displayed a slightly higher preference for sustainable food options. These findings underscore the influence of sociodemographic factors on sustainable food choices, highlighting a potential role for targeted educational initiatives to promote healthier and environmentally friendly eating habits.

Keywords: healthy lifestyle; food organic; food preferences; health education; sociodemographic factors; survey; spain (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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