Interventions to promote sustainable and healthy food choices in universities: a scoping review

Abstract

University settings play a crucial role in shaping the dietary habits of young adults. In response to growing concerns about public health and environmental sustainability, increasing attention has been directed toward interventions that promote healthy and sustainable food choices in university settings. This scoping review synthesized the available evidence on interventions implemented in university settings to promote healthy and sustainable food choices among students. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, seven databases (Academic Search Elite, CINAHL, Wiley Online Library, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE) were systematically searched for relevant studies. The search covered peer-reviewed intervention studies published between January 2014 and December 2024. Eleven studies were included in this review. Nine of them were conducted in high-income countries. The identified interventions were categorized into four main strategies: nudging, environmental modification, educational interventions, and social influence. Nudging strategies, such as traffic light food labeling and other choice architecture interventions, were the most frequently studied ( n  = 5) and generally showed positive effects in promoting healthier consumer choices. Environmental modifications ( n  = 2), including healthier dining programs and changes in food availability, had mixed impacts on food choices. Educational interventions ( n  = 3) demonstrated mixed effects on dietary behaviors, with some evidence of improved awareness or intentions but inconsistent changes in actual food choices. Social influence strategies ( n  = 1), including social marketing approaches, promoted healthier eating by influencing perceptions and encouraging healthier food choices. Despite promising findings, significant gaps remain in the long-term sustainability of these interventions and their applicability in low- and middle-income countries. Future research should focus on developing scalable, cost-effective, and context-specific approaches to enhance sustainable and healthy food choices in university settings, particularly regarding student engagement, implementation feasibility, and long-term effects.