New Publication: The Relationship Between Food Preparation Skills and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Was Evaluated

The study, entitled “Food Preparation Skills, Digital Diet Literacy, Mediterranean Diet Adherence, and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Among Adults Residing in Istanbul: A Cross-Sectional Study,” was conducted with 293 adults residing in Istanbul. Participants’ cooking and food preparation skills, digital healthy diet literacy, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and ultra-processed food consumption were assessed using validated and reliable measurement tools.

The results showed that 57% of the participants had a high level of ultra-processed food consumption. Individuals with high ultra-processed food consumption were younger, cooked at home less frequently, and ordered food more frequently. In addition, these individuals had lower cooking and food preparation skills and lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

Multivariable analyses showed that younger age, lower food preparation skills, and lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet were independently associated with higher ultra-processed food consumption after accounting for variables such as age, sex, body mass index, home-cooking frequency, and food-ordering frequency. In contrast, digital healthy diet literacy was not independently associated with ultra-processed food consumption.

The study highlights the importance of ensuring that nutrition education aimed at reducing ultra-processed food consumption is not limited to providing information but is also supported by practical skills such as food selection, meal planning, and food preparation. The findings suggest that strengthening food preparation skills and promoting Mediterranean-style dietary patterns may contribute to the development of healthier eating behaviors, particularly among young adults.

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https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18162585