Factors influencing sustainable food consumption: a systematic review of behaviors, motivations, and barriers

Abstract

The consumption of sustainable food is a relevant practice in the face of current environmental, social and health challenges. However, its understanding is limited by a high degree of conceptual and methodological fragmentation in scientific literature. This systematic review employs the PRISMA 2020 protocol methodically and transparently identifies, select, and synthesize 35 studies published between 2013 and 2024 on individual, social, and contextual factors influencing sustainable food consumption. The findings indicate that the most frequently identified factors include attitudes, values, social norms, and environmental awareness, while the main motivations are associated with environmental, ethical, and health concerns. Key barriers include high costs, limited availability, and cultural resistance to change. The analysis demonstrates that sustainable consumption cannot be explained solely by individual rational decisions; rather, it is a response to a situated practice influenced by material structures, social norms, and cultural meanings. This standpoint highlights the need for more integrated and contextualized analytical models capable of guiding effective interventions to promote sustainable, equitable, and culturally appropriate eating patterns across diverse contexts.