Cited by 51Consumer Attitudes and Food LabelingSensory Analysis and Statistical MethodsOrganic Food and Agriculture

Consumer perceptions of functional foods: a scoping review focusing on non-processed foods

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Ponte, Luis Gustavo Saboia, Ribeiro, Suliene França, Pereira, João Carlos Valdivino, Antunes, Adriane Elisabete Costa, Bezerra, Rosangela Maria Neves, da Cunha, Diogo Thimoteo·2025·Food Reviews International

Abstract

Functional foods have gained prominence since the 1980s, fueled by their potential to promote health and prevent diseases. However, despite market growth and consumer interest, perceptions remain narrow, often limited to industrialized products. This misconception leads to the undervaluation of fresh and minimally processed options. Bridging this knowledge gap is essential to fostering wider adoption of these foods in everyday diets. With this , the objective of this study is to identify the key determinants that influence the acceptance of functional foods, with a focus on those that are fresh or minimally processed. To achieve this, an scoping review was conducted, including 36 articles, and six factors were identified: (a) demographic and socioeconomic factors, (b) health and safety factors, (c) cognitive and emotional factors, (d) behavioral and social factors, (e) food characteristics, and (f) ethical and sustainable factors. The findings reveal that sociodemographic factors and sensory attributes, such as taste and texture, play an important role in acceptance. However, price and convenience can act as barriers. Additionally, sustainability and ethical production practices are becoming increasingly important to consumers, though confusion surrounding the nature of functional foods continues to limit the adoption of fresh, naturally functional options. To overcome these challenges, it is crucial to improve communication and educational strategies that enhance consumer understanding of the benefits of natural functional foods. Transparent labeling, reliable certifications, and targeted awareness campaigns can build trust and encourage healthier, more sustainable food choices.

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Crossref · 10.1080/87559129.2025.2453030

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133 of 133 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • In the functional food segment, consumers tend to demand sensory excellence at the level of the value paid, making it a central selection criterion.

    “These products, generally marketed at higher prices, consumers tend to demand that sensory excellence be at the level of the value paid, becoming a central selection criterion (Ponte et al., 2025).”

    From Microalgae biotechnology and its role in sustainable and healthy food design (2025) · cites this paper as Ponte et al., 2025

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Authors
Ponte, L. G. S., Ribeiro, S. F., Pereira, J. C. V., Antunes, A. E. C., Bezerra, R. M. N., & da Cunha, D. T.
Affiliations
  • Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) (BR)
  • Universidade Paulista (BR)
  • Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)
Venue
Food Reviews International
Published
2025-01-21
Volume
41
Issue
6
Pages
1738-1756
ISSN
  • 1525-6103 (ISSN-L)
  • 8755-9129
OpenAlex
W4406673675
Cited by
43
References
133
Citations by year
2026: 25 · 2025: 18
FWCI
39.16
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
Food Reviews International (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
Funders
  • Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (001)
  • Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Sensory Analysis and Statistical Methods
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Organic Food and Agriculture
Keywords
functional foods, consumer perception, food acceptance, minimally processed foods, fresh food, sociodemographic factors, sensory properties, sustainability, food labeling, consumer education

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