Interventions of behavioural change for sustainable diets in selected settings

WP 7.2 addressed behavioural change as a key lever for promoting healthier and more sustainable diets across different consumption contexts. The Work Package focused on translating knowledge on food behaviour into actionable interventions, integrating nutrition science, psychology, behavioural economics and social sciences within a multidisciplinary framework.

Research activities covered the design, testing and evaluation of behavioural interventions in a variety of settings, including households, collective catering systems, supermarkets and online purchasing environments. A central component of the approach was the direct involvement of stakeholders and end users through co-creation processes, enabling the development of context-specific and implementable solutions.

A first research line focused on the development of intervention strategies aimed at influencing food choices and consumption patterns. Experimental and applied studies analysed how different tools, including information design, nudging strategies and environmental modifications, can increase the purchase and intake of healthier and more sustainable foods.

A second axis addressed targeted interventions for specific populations and consumption contexts. Educational programmes and tailored nutritional strategies were developed and tested in settings such as schools and institutional catering. These initiatives demonstrated the relevance of behavioural and sensory factors in shaping food acceptance and highlighted the role of participatory approaches in improving intervention effectiveness.

A third research area focused on food waste reduction and behavioural practices in both domestic and collective environments. Interventions were implemented to reduce waste in school canteens and other food service contexts, contributing to the development and update of operational guidelines for sustainable food provision.

From a methodological perspective, WP 7.2 developed shared guidelines for the design and evaluation of behavioural interventions, along with digital tools and predictive models for monitoring food-related behaviours and food waste. These outputs constitute a transferable and scalable framework supporting the implementation of future food policies and intervention programmes.

Overall, WP 7.2 contributed to bridging the gap between behavioural research and practical application, providing evidence-based strategies to support the adoption of healthier and more sustainable dietary patterns.