The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on food priorities. Results from a preliminary study using social media and an online survey with Spanish consumers. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Laguna, L.; Fiszman, S.; Puerta, P.; Chaya, C.; Tárrega, A.
• Is Part Of: Food quality and preference. Volume 86(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Food -- Shopping -- Consumers -- Social media -- Internet; Food preferences -- Periodicals; Food -- Quality -- Periodicals; Food industry and trade -- Quality control -- Periodicals; Préférences alimentaires -- Périodiques; Aliments -- Qualité -- Périodiques; Aliments -- Industrie et commerce -- Qualité -- Contrôle -- Périodiques; Food industry and trade -- Quality control; Food preferences; Food -- Quality; Periodicals; 664
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2020.104028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-3293

Abstract

Highlights: The COVID-19 crisis was studied regarding food, using different information sources. Google searches regarding COVID-19 were analysed. The most-watched videos pretended to explain and provide advice for COVID-19. Frequency of Twitter words changed from stocking food to future uncertainty. During strict lockdown, Spanish consumers bought food items perceived as healthier. Abstract: This preliminary study describes the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on people's interests, opinions, and behaviour towards food. Here, the evolution of people's internet searches, the characteristics of the most watched YouTube videos, and Tweeted messages in relation to COVID-19 and food was studied. Additionally, an online questionnaire (Spanish population, n = 362) studied changes in food shopping habits during the lockdown, motivations behind the changes, and perceived reliability of the information received from media. Results showed initial trending searches and most watched YouTube videos were about understanding what COVID-19 is and how the illness can progress and spread. When the official statement of a pandemic was released, trending searches in relation to food and shopping increased. Data retrieved from Twitter also showed an evolution from shopping concerns to the feeling of uncertainty for the oncoming crisis. The answers to the online questionnaire showed reduction of shopping frequency but no changes in shopping location. Products purchased with higher frequency were pasta and vegetables (health motivations), others were purchased to improve their mood ( nuts, cheese, and chocolates ). Reduced purchasing was attributed to products with a short shelf-life ( fish, seafood ) or because they were unhealthy and contributed to gained body weight (sugary bakery goods) or mood ( desserts ). Statements made by experts or scientists were considered by consumers to be the most reliable.