Nutrition advice is everywhere nowadays — from social media and podcasts to food labels and public health campaigns — so you might think most people know how to make healthy food choices. But a recent national study in Portugal shows that simply having access to information doesn’t mean people automatically understand it well or use it in a healthy way in their daily lives.
The study, titled Estudo Nacional de Avaliação da Literacia Alimentar em Adultos (National Study on the Assessment of Food Literacy in Adults), was promoted by the Portuguese Nutrition Association with support from a well-known Portuguese hypermarket. Conducted among a representative sample of thousand adults living in Portugal, the research explored how well people understand, interpret, and apply nutritional information in everyday life.
The gap between knowledge and action
The findings reveal a population that is reasonably informed about nutrition in theory, but often struggles with the practical side of healthy eating. Portuguese adults achieved an average food literacy score of 57.5%, a result considered moderate rather than strong.
One of the main conclusions of the study was the gap between knowing what is healthy and actually putting it into practice. Food literacy is not only about understanding nutrition advice, but also about feeling confident enough to use that knowledge in daily life.
Everyday challenges in healthy eating
Participants demonstrated particular difficulty in areas that require critical interpretation and day-to-day application. Many struggled to understand food labels, nutritional claims, and allergen information.
These findings show that many people find food information confusing and overwhelming. Labels, marketing claims, and different health messages can make even normal grocery shopping more complicated than it should be.
Sustainability and food choices
One of the weakest areas identified by the study was related to sustainable consumption. Participants scored lowest in questions concerning the environmental and social impact of food choices, including sustainability, biodiversity, and support for local food production.
Although people are talking more and more about sustainable consumption, many consumers still do not fully understand how their daily food choices affect the environment. The study shows that there is still a lot of room for better education around sustainability and food.
A new understanding of food literacy
The study gives a nuanced picture of how people in Portugal currently eat and make food choices. Food literacy is not just about knowing dietary guidelines by heart, but about being able to understand information properly, make confident decisions, and use nutritional knowledge in everyday life.
As food systems become more complicated and people are exposed to more and more information, these practical skills may become just as important as simply knowing the facts about nutrition.
Consumer perspective
There is a growing group of people who care about sustainability and try to make more responsible food choices. However, price is still the most important factor for many people when shopping. Even when people know what the healthier or more sustainable option is, they often choose based on what they can afford.