FAST-FOOD CONSUMPTION HABITS IN BRAZIL (2020-2024): IMPACTS OF THE PANDEMIC

Abstract

Fast-food consumption habits in Brazil (2020-2024): Impacts of the pandemic. The factors that explain Brazilians' preference for fast food over traditional foods and how the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to intensifying this behavior. This issue involves understanding the cultural, social, and economic factors that influence Brazilians' preference for fast food over traditional foods, while also analyzing how the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to strengthening this eating behavior. Therefore, the main objective of the study is to understand the reasons behind the popularity of fast food and its consequences for public health and food culture. The specific objectives are to understand the reason for this excessive consumption and to present the reasons why these foods are so widely consumed. The methodology adopted in this research is qualitative, documentary, and bibliographic, based on reliable sources, such as scientific articles and institutional reports. The results indicate that fast food has established itself as a practical choice during social isolation, but its popularity is related to health risks and the weakening of cultural ties with traditional Brazilian food. It can be concluded that the pandemic accelerated changes in eating habits and reinforced the need to promote public policies focused on nutrition education and the appreciation of national cuisine.