Portuguese are "compulsive consumers," says unprecedented study on food literacy levels in the country

A study by the Portuguese Nutrition Association (APN) provides an unprecedented profile of the food literacy levels of the Portuguese population. On average, 57.7% of the adult population has some access to information on nutrition and food, but difficulties in translating this knowledge into healthier choices are evident. According to the study, which surveyed 1,000 people with the support of the Continente chain and was conducted by the company Pitagórica, 44% of the Portuguese are “compulsive consumers.” This term does not refer to the quantity of food consumed or eating habits, but identifies varying levels of food literacy. These consumers have minimal meal planning, poor management and selection of food choices, and low food preparation skills. Furthermore, socioeconomic challenges significantly impact food literacy levels. Young adults, those with stable employment, and families with higher incomes have the highest levels of knowledge, while the elderly, the unemployed, those living alone, and those with lower incomes are among the least informed and least capable of making good dietary choices.