Food and nutrition literacy survey: a novel tool for assessing food and nutrition literacy

Abstract Background Food and nutrition literacy (FNL) is essential for promoting healthy dietary behaviors and reducing chronic disease risk. Existing FNL assessment tools often focus on factual knowledge, lack cultural neutrality, and are validated only in sub-populations. To address this gap, we developed the Food and Nutrition Literacy Survey (FANSy), a concise self-assessment tool for evaluating perceived FNL competencies across diverse adult populations. Methods FANSy was developed through a structured, multi-step process informed by the Health Literacy Survey framework, Rosas's food literacy model, and Gibbs's nutrition literacy model. Item development followed a matrix combining four competencies (access, understand, appraise, apply) across four domains (cooking skills, preserve and analyze, choice and acquisition, search and plan). Content validity was assessed by an expert panel (n = 10) using content validity index and Cohen's kappa. Face validity was evaluated through cognitive interviews (n = 6). The final survey was administered online to a representative English-speaking sample (n = 2121). Internal consistency and dimensionality were examined using Cronbach's alpha and confirmatory factor analysis. Results Two versions were developed: the full 44-item FANSy-44 and the short 17-item FANSy-17. Both showed excellent internal consistency (α = 0.972 and α = 0.928). FANSy-17 strongly correlated with FANSy-44 (r = 0.978). The mean FNL score was 66.5; females scored higher than males (p = 0.019). No significant differences were found across education or income groups. Conclusions FANSy is a valid, reliable tool for assessing FNL among adults. Its two versions offer flexible use for research, public health, and clinical practice. Its culturally neutral structure enables cross-cultural application. Key messages • FANSy is a valid, reliable, and culturally neutral tool for assessing food and nutrition literacy in diverse adult populations. • Both FANSy-44 and FANSy-17 show excellent internal consistency and offer flexible use for research, public health, and clinical practice.