A comprehensive analysis of urban–rural differences: The case of food consumption in China

Rapid urbanization and rural-to-urban migration in China have led to significant dietary changes and greater reliance on Western foods. Previous studies have recognized the importance of urbanization but have overlooked key aspects. They neglect the mechanisms behind these shifts, assume uniform consumer responses, and underestimate the impact of food precommitments and demand for food quality. We analyze the impact of urbanization on food consumption using a Generalized Exact Affine Stone Index model, building on advancements in consumer theory. Our study highlights how urbanization offers dietary flexibility, while rural consumers tend to have precommitments. Despite data limitations, we assess food accessibility, availability, and consumer lifestyles as factors contributing to urban–rural dietary disparities. As rural incomes increase, consumers become more conscious of food quality, while urban residents consider further quality improvements less significant. Greater food accessibility and shifts in lifestyle affect dietary variations observed between urban and rural areas, where widening lifestyle gaps reduce quantity disparities while increasing quality gaps. Grasping these dynamics is essential for tackling food security, sustainability, and public health, as urbanization aims to reduce poverty.