Circular Food Behaviors: A Literature Review

Consumer behavior is crucial in the transition towards circular food systems. Studies so far investigate isolated circular food behaviors, but it is still unclear how the literature comprehensively addresses these behaviors. This paper provides an overview of the literature on circular food behaviors. Following a semi-systematic literature review, we analyze 46 papers related to circular food behaviors. We summarize their main features, categorize the behaviors, and propose a future research agenda. Results show the novelty and quick popularity of the topic, a dispersion across sustainability and agri-food journals, the manuscripts' goals related to consumption, a predominance of empirical data collection in Europe, a focus on behaviors related to protein alternatives, food waste, and upcycled foods, and the importance of communication and consumers' education. We categorize and characterize three types of circular food behaviors: linear, transitioning, and circular behaviors. Circular behaviors (i) are part of a systemic circular economy view, (ii) define consumers as doers or prosumers, (iii) pursue long-term sustainability goals, (iv) show a high engagement of skilled consumers, and (v) are supported by technologies. Future research should consider the social dimension of sustainability and pursue a systemic view of circular food behaviors. We suggest that a circular food-related lifestyle may incorporate the recommended directions.

Automated summary

This study provides an overview of circular food behaviors in literature, categorizing them into linear, transitioning, and circular behaviors. It highlights the predominance of empirical data collection in Europe, focuses on behaviors related to protein alternatives, food waste, and upcycled foods, and emphasizes the importance of consumer education and communication. Circular behaviors are characterized by their systemic approach, defining consumers as doers or prosumers, pursuing long-term sustainability goals, showing high engagement of skilled consumers, and being supported by technologies. Future research should consider the social dimension of sustainability and adopt a systemic view of circular food behaviors.