Global Consumer Perception Towards Healthy Foods: Influencing Factors and Current Trends

One of the key drivers behind the changing perception of healthy foods is a heightened awareness of the impact of diet on overall health. Consumers are increasingly recognizing the role of nutrition in preventing and managing various health conditions, leading to a more conscious effort to incorporate health-promoting foods into their diets. This awareness extends beyond traditional macronutrients and micronutrients to include bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, and other functional ingredients found in certain foods. This chapter is a comprehensive review of what healthy foods are and how consumers perceive them. Factors that influence consumer perception of healthy foods, such as age and culture, are discussed along with the importance of consuming a healthy and balanced diet for the prevention and control of diseases. Authors start with a deep analysis of the history involving the definition of healthy foods and finalize highlighting the most important trends in the health space of the food industry.