An Exploratory Study on Changes in Food Purchasing Behavior by Age Group : Based on the 2014–2023 Agri-food Consumption Information DB

This study examined the changes in food purchase patterns according to age using longitudinal data from the Korean Agricultural and Food Consumption Information Database. This study aimed to identify the structural changes in food purchase behavior across age groups by analyzing food expenditure data from 396 households that participated continuously in a 10-year panel (2014–2023). The data were reclassified into nine major food categories, and a detailed analysis was conducted on processed food expenditures subdivided into 10 categories. The results showed that food spending has increased across the board over the decade, with the consumption of processed foods increasing notably among those in their 40s and 50s. The main reasons were the rise in home meal replacement (HMR) and heightened health consciousness following the COVID-19 pandemic. Those in their 30s and 40s spent more on processed grain foods and beverages, while older people spent more on natural foods such as seafood, vegetables, and tubers. This study provides empirical evidence on the food purchase trends according to age and highlights the need for customized food policies, nutrition education, and targeted marketing strategies. Since 2021, food service expenditure items have been excluded from the survey, and the survey is limited to metropolitan areas. Future studies will need to incorporate dietary intake data to assess the nutritional outcomes and incorporate broader socio-demographic variables to increase generalizability.