[Food consumption in the context of an energy crisis: the case of Ecuador].

Abstract

Background: food consumption can be affected during energy crises.

Objective: to characterize the food consumption of the Ecuadorian population during the period of electric rationing.

Methods: observational and retrospective study. The population consisted of Ecuadorian adults aged 18 and older who resided in cantons of the country during the 2024 electric rationing period. Food consumption was assessed through an online survey validated by experts, with 23 questions about the frequency of food consumption and changes in purchasing and consumption habits by food groups.

Results: a total of 550 subjects participated, mainly from urban areas (86.5 %). Of these, 62.2 % were male, and 78.5 % of respondents were aged between 18 and 39 years. 53.3 % reported a reduction in grocery purchases, while 27.8 % increased their purchase of prepared meals. Regarding food groups, 30.9 % consumed vegetables once a day, 24.7 % consumed fruits 2 to 4 times a week, and 33.8 % consumed legumes 2 to 4 times a week. For cereals and tubers, 29.6 % consumed them once a day; 30 % reported consuming fats once a day, and 20.4 % consumed ultra-processed foods once a week; 46.5 % increased food waste, and 76 % changed their consumption of refrigerated products.

Conclusions: electric rationing impacted the food consumption of Ecuadorians, especially in dairy, vegetables, and food waste.