SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF CONTEMPORARY FOOD CONSUMPTION: THE INFLUENCE OF ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS

Abstract

The great expansion of ultra-processed foods occurs, for the most part, due to practicality in terms of preparation and consumption, also presenting the potential to influence the social determinants of food consumption. Given this reality, this study seeks to present the factors that are determinants of food consumption in the context of contemporary eating habits and how ultra-processed foods influence these factors. This is a qualitative approach research, of a theoretical-conceptual nature, developed through a literature review study based on theorists who address the social context of eating habits today. A total of 140 studies were identified, 60 in SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) and 90 in Google Scholar. After screening and eligibility assessment, 10 studies were included in the review. The results indicate that considerable changes in dietary patterns are currently taking place, especially regarding the consumption of ultra-processed foods because they are more practical to prepare and consume, added to their low cost and high palatability, factors that influence the social determinants of food consumption. Thus, it is concluded that the way ultra-processed foods are presented to potential consumers boosts their consumption, particularly when the determinants of food consumption are taken into account.