Paving the way for digital food literacy: A critical review of the literature

The relationship between consumers and food is complex and dynamic. Moreover, different factors have been argued to variously affect the behaviors of consumers when food-related decisions are concerned, including: culture, beliefs, past experiences and knowledge. Food literacy is achieving a growing popularity as a determinant of wise food-related choices. In particular, food literacy could be understood as the individual ability to access, understand, process and use basic food and nutrition information, and to navigate the food system properly. In light of the negative health and social consequences, which are attached to limited food literacy, the enhancement of the individual ability to navigate the food system is crucial to improve individual and collective well-being. To contribute in the enhancement of the knowledge in the field of food literacy, this paper provides a review of the existing scientific literature. A critical approach is adopted to systematize the current understanding of food literacy and pave the way for further developments. Digital tools turn out to be a viable solution to improve individual food-related skills and contribute in wise consumer behaviors. From this point of view, digital food literacy emerges as a key issue inspiring future research in the fields of food education and health promotion.