Food preparation on a budget: an analysis of food consumption practices and the role of health consciousness.

Background/objectives: This study is of significant importance as it aims to understand the food consumption practices of those trying to save money on food and the role of health consciousness in food choices. The specific objectives of the current study are 1) to track levels of online community activation over time in 2 online budget food communities, 2) to explore specific ingredients and food groups that are frequently mentioned in budget communities, and finally, 3) to compare the foods and staples of regular budget food and healthy budget food communities. These objectives are crucial in providing a comprehensive understanding of food consumption practices and health consciousness.

Subjects/methods: The data source for this study was Reddit, and subreddits related to budget foods were targeted for data preparation. After creating a food name dictionary, keyword analysis and topic modeling were conducted to identify key food groups. We compared the regular budget food group to the health-conscious budget food group.

Results: The food items commonly mentioned in both groups could serve as key staples for people looking to save money on food preparation. Rice was mentioned the most in both groups. Whereas meat and flour products were more important to the regular budget food group, fruits and vegetables were more valuable to the healthy budget food group.

Conclusion: The results of this research offer insights into the food purchasing behaviors of those attempting to save money and provide practical strategies to make budget foods healthier. This information can be valuable for individuals, policymakers, and health professionals in promoting more nutritious food choices.