Racial Inequalities in the Consumption of Unprocessed and Minimally Processed Foods among Brazilian Adults

Racial inequalities in Brazil are rooted in social and economic structures that shape dietary behaviors and access to foods. Consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods (UMPF) is a key indicator of dietary quality. This study examined racial disparities in UMPF consumption among Brazilian adults using data from the 2023 Vigitel survey, a nationally representative cross-sectional study of 20,383 adults aged ≥ 18 years in state capitals. Food intake, assessed via telephone interviews, included vegetables, raw salad, cooked vegetables, fruits, and beans. Two indicators were evaluated: regular consumption (≥ 5 days/week) and adherence to the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables (≥ 5 servings/day). Sociodemographic variables included race/skin color, sex, age, and education. Consumption patterns were explored using adjusted residuals and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). Logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for racial differences. Regular UMPF consumption was generally low. White adults had higher odds of consuming vegetables, raw salad, cooked vegetables, and fruits, whereas black and mixed-race adults had higher odds of consuming beans. Adherence to the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables was low across all groups (white: 24.3%; black: 21.5%; mixed: 18.8%). MCA identified distinct racial consumption profiles. Adjusted regression models showed that black and mixed-race adults were less likely to consume most UMPF and more likely to consume beans than white adults. These findings highlight persistent racial disparities in healthy eating in Brazil and reinforce race as a critical social determinant of dietary patterns, supporting policies to promote equitable access to foods.