Topic Editors

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Antonio Di Vita
Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Turin, Italy
Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
Dr. Raffaele Zanchini
Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (DISAFA), University of Turin, Largo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
Dr. Angelina De Pascale
Department of Economics, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy

Recent Advances in Consumers’ Preferences and Behavior Toward Healthy and Functional Foods: 2nd Edition

Abstract submission deadline
30 April 2027
Manuscript submission deadline
30 June 2027
Viewed by
966

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This is the second edition of the Topic “Recent Advances in Consumers’ Preferences and Behavior Toward Healthy and Functional Foods”, available at https://www.mdpi.com/topics/consumer_foods. In recent decades, diet-related diseases have gained attention among both institutions and researchers as they represent a severe problem for human health and a cost for national health systems. Since a more balanced diet based on the selection and choice of healthier foods can help to reduce such diseases, the European Union has promoted the health benefits of functional foods by providing specific regulations to govern the adoption of nutrition and health claims on food labels (Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 and Regulation (EU) No 432/2012). These labels represent a means to guide consumers toward an informed choice when purchasing products, thus providing a fair competitive environment among the food industry. Consequently, it has become increasingly important to inform consumers about the irreplaceable role of functional food consumption. Due to their bioactive compounds and micronutrients, such as polyphenols, vitamins, fibers, omega 3 fatty acids, etc., functional foods produce positive physiological effects on human health, enhancing the metabolic functions of organisms. With the aim to provide safer food and ensure higher sensory and nutritional quality standards, the agro-food industry has been called upon to develop more innovative food products. Therefore, it is of great interest to us to further explore how lifestyle, social, and psychological drivers move consumers and influence their choice to purchase these products. Within this context, the aim of this Topic is to collect valuable contributions related to the following areas:

  • Healthy and functional food consumption;
  • Consumers’ interests toward functional food components;
  • Effectiveness of food-related claims in consumers’ choices;
  • Drivers of healthy and functional food consumption.

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Antonio Di Vita
Prof. Dr. Gioacchino Pappalardo
Dr. Raffaele Zanchini
Dr. Angelina De Pascale
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • nutrition claims
  • health claims
  • consumer behavior
  • consumer segmentation
  • drivers of consumption
  • willingness to pay
  • consumer acceptability
  • lifestyle
  • psychological drivers
  • nutritional properties
  • socio demographic drivers
  • symmetry information
  • fortified food
  • eating habits

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Beverages
beverages
2.7 4.6 2015 23.7 Days CHF 1800 Submit
Dietetics
dietetics
- - 2022 27.3 Days CHF 1200 Submit
Foods
foods
5.1 8.7 2012 15 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Nutrients
nutrients
5.0 9.1 2009 15 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Sustainability
sustainability
3.3 7.7 2009 17.9 Days CHF 2400 Submit

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Article
Assessing White Hibiscus Calyces as a Potential Ingredient for Kombucha
by Enid Adiegwu, Renata Carneiro, Ken Hurley, Ann Sandbrook and Sean O’Keefe
Beverages 2026, 12(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages12020025 - 6 Feb 2026
Viewed by 488
Abstract
Kombucha’s growing popularity worldwide has been accompanied by a growing consumer interest in exploring new flavors and adopting healthier diets. In this preliminary consumer-driven study, we investigated the application of white hibiscus (WH) calyces in the development of novel kombucha beverages. Kombuchas were [...] Read more.
Kombucha’s growing popularity worldwide has been accompanied by a growing consumer interest in exploring new flavors and adopting healthier diets. In this preliminary consumer-driven study, we investigated the application of white hibiscus (WH) calyces in the development of novel kombucha beverages. Kombuchas were made from 100% black tea (BT), 100% WH, and 50% BT/WH blend infusions, then their pH, total titratable acidity (TTA), ethanol content, sucrose, glucose, and fructose concentrations were measured. Untrained sensory participants (N = 97) rated the kombuchas using a 9-point hedonic scale, described them using a check-all-that-apply list of attributes, and answered a willingness-to-pay (WTP) question. Tea infusion and fermentation time had a significant effect on pH, TTA, ethanol, sucrose, fructose, and glucose content (p < 0.05). High residual sugar levels observed in the WH kombucha indicated sluggish fermentation. Kombuchas differed significantly in overall-liking, color, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel liking, and WTP (p < 0.05). Overall, BT kombucha was preferred over the WH kombuchas (100% and blend). Sensory attributes “refreshing”, “floral”, “hibiscus”, “fruity”, and “sweet” were positive drivers of acceptability, while “pungent” and “astringent” were negative drivers. Results suggest that blends containing less than 50% WH may provide more appealing sensory attributes to consumers, and that further study is needed. Full article
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