Attitude and behavioral changes of dairy consumers during the new coronavirus pandemic in Brazil

Background and Objective: The pandemic created by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has resulted in several economic, political, environmental and social changes around the world. To understand the possible change in the behaviour of consumers of dairy products (at home) during the pandemic COVID-19 in Brazil, the responses of various people through an online questionnaire sent by social networks were analyzed. Materials and Methods: To assess the consumer profile, age, sex, residence and family income were asked. It was also asked if the consumer was aware of the benefits of eating milk and if it was common practice to encourage the consumption of dairy products. The questionnaire was disseminated throughout all five Brazilian regions and to the most diverse audiences, accounting for a total of 1,002 respondents. Results: Dairy products are commonly purchased, being consumed and valued by most respondents (>80%). The most observed requirement when purchasing these products was the price factor, followed by physical and hygienic conditions and the product brand. Among the dairy products most consumed during the pandemic are cheeses, butter, milk, condensed milk, sour cream, yoghurt and ice cream. Conclusion: Most respondents are aware of the benefits that the intake of milk and dairy products provides to the body and even with an increase in prices, demand and consumption increased during the survey period within the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. © 2021 Eistys M.T.C. Almeida and Marco T.C. Almeida.