Changes in Food Consumption During the Covid-19 Pandemic

It is safe to say that the global Covid-19 pandemic has upended our daily lives and routines in more ways than one, and a growing body of research is suggesting that one of these changes is to do with our relationship with food.

With more time spent indoors and extra time on our hands, food is no longer just an essential part of our daily lives but another activity to help fill the lull. We have created a list of some of the key changes felt across the world, read on to see if any resonate with you.

Healthier food choices

Although Covid-19 has had lasting negative health impacts for many, it has also left a legacy of healthier eating. As our lives have been dictated by lockdowns and restrictions, we have been forced to slow down and reflect on our lifestyles. This has seen a seismic shift in consumer behaviour, with consumers becoming more mindful of healthier, nurturing diets and lifestyles. ‘Keto’, ‘intermittent fasting’, ‘oat milk’ - these are all terms that have entered the vernacular of an increasingly health-conscious Australian population. Consumers are no longer following a ‘one-size-fits-all’ diet, instead these are being replaced with contemporary diets which are more personalised to the individual.

More time spent cooking at home and with others

As well as being more mindful of our food choices, we have been spending more time in the kitchen preparing and cooking our own meals. State-wide lockdowns and restrictions on venues capacity have reduced the amount we go out to eat. It’s no secret that the ingredients that make food taste so good are those that are bad for us, and when we prepare food at home, we are more conscious of how much butter, sugar, and salt we add to our meals. When we cook from home we are also less likely to prepare large portion sizes and be tempted by fried food.

Creative cooking

The last 12 months have seen innovative food trends originating from people’s kitchens and finding there way into our social media news feeds. From bread making to brewing, people have embraced the multitude of creative food trends that have come about from an increased amount of time spent indoors. Food is no longer a means to an end, but a craft that can be practiced and shared among social networks. Did you use your time indoors to perfect a banana bread recipe or brew your own kombucha?

Snack, snack, snacking

More time on our hands meant more time to snack. If you found that you raided the pantry more than usual, then you are not alone. A CSIRO survey carried out during one of the nation’s lockdowns found that 34 per cent of Australians reported raiding the pantry for snacks more frequently. If you are finding it hard to break this tasty habit, then read the tips below for some simple ways to improve your eating habits.

Tips for better eating habits:

Tip 1: Focus on nutritious foods. Start the day with a meal high in fibre to ensure you stay fuller for longer Tip 2: Food prep! Preparing food ahead of time will mean you are less likely to head to the cupboard for a snack as you’ve already pre-planned what you intend to eat. Tip 3: Adopt mindful eating habits. Be mindful of what you eat, from point of purchase to cooking to eating. Tip 4: Try some new food inspo! Head over to ‘A Better Choice’ and browse their delicious, easy to prepare recipes to get inspired. Making the process exciting will help keep you motivated and build a habit.