Factors influencing the perception and decision-making process of consumers on the choice of healthier foods in the United Kingdom: a systematic review using narrative synthesis

The perception that foods are consumed primarily to meet physiological and nutritional needs is nowadays understood as an outdated concept. Substantial empirical literatures have proven that diverse factors influence consumers' decisions in choosing healthy foods and diets, but the process of food choice remains complex. In this systematic review, the consumers' perceptions on food choices are explored and the key factors that influence food choices among the UK consumers are identified. The findings of this review were reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The identified food choice factors were categorised into product, person and environmental (social, economic and informational)-related factors. Interventions that would improve awareness of healthier food choices and negative impacts of factors influencing food choices are recommended. Studies on consumer behaviours around perceptions and choices of foods are scanty in the United Kingdom, and the limitations identified in this review are to be addressed in future research.