A systematic literature review and future research agenda on the dynamics of food waste in the context of consumer behavior

Abstract

This study examines scientific literature focusing on consumer behavior related to food waste, a critical component of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, particularly the goal of responsible production and consumption. While existing research predominantly emphasizes producers as primary stakeholders, evidence indicates that a substantial proportion of food waste occurs downstream at the consumer level. Despite this, studies prioritizing consumer behavior in addressing food waste remain scarce. To bridge this gap, this research analyzed 132 articles published between 2015 and 2023 from Scopus and PubMed databases using keywords such as “food,” “waste,” “behavior,” and “consumer” within the fields of management, business, economics, and social sciences. Utilizing NVivo and VOSviewer for thematic analysis, four distinct thematic clusters emerged, highlighting the multifaceted nature of consumer food waste. These clusters address individual practices, regulatory frameworks, food waste characteristics, sources, and the broader food production process. The findings underscore the need for integrated strategies targeting consumer behavior to effectively mitigate food waste and advance sustainable development objectives.