Economics, food choices, and nutrition

Our goal in this paper is to examine the role and influence of economic factors, defined rather broadly, on consumer food choices, and, hence, nutritional outcomes. We attempt to do this in a non-technical fashion. We examine the role of prices, especially as they relate to the affordability of food in the United States and as a policy lever. Income is analyzed as a driving force behind changes in eating habits, in particular increasing the demand for convenience. The role of time constraints as well as time preference are examined as links to healthy eating habits and as fords behind current trends in eating patterns. Information and knowledge are given prominent play as counter balances to economic forces driving eating habits. We conclude with and examination into maternal nutrition knowledge and children's dietary quality. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.