How the Pandemic Has Influenced Our Dietary Decisions
Anna Schmidt
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Diets Premium Expert • 19.03.2026
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Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian:
This article has been peer-reviewed for adherence to IŻŻ, WHO, and PTGiP clinical nutritional standards.
| Diets Premium Expert Anna Schmidt | min read 6 min | Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian 19.03.2026 |
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Key Takeaways
In March 2020, the World Health Organization announced the COVID-19 pandemic to the world. At that time, the first restrictions began in Poland. Within a few days, our lives were completely turned upside down. We were confined to our homes, and the majority of people started remote work. Cinemas, theaters, gyms, and eateries were closed. Social life was limited to online meetings, and the hashtag #stayathome became trendy on social media. This situation has been ongoing for several months and has had a significant impact on our lives. Has the pandemic changed our approach to health care? Has the forced confinement in our homes led us to better nutrition or has it caused a deterioration in our habits?
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Poland - two contrasting patterns of behavior
Although the pandemic is still ongoing, researchers are already attempting to understand its impact on our lives. Studies on this topic have been conducted in many countries, including Poland, France, the United States, and Italy. It is difficult to definitively say whether we are currently leading a healthier lifestyle. A survey of over 2000 Poles conducted by scientists from the Department of Human Nutrition at SGGW in Warsaw revealed two contrasting patterns of behavior - health-promoting behaviors in 28% of respondents and unhealthy behaviors in 19% of participants. No significant changes were observed in the remaining 53% of respondents (M. Górnicka et al., 2020).
Healthy behaviors
Healthy behaviors were most prevalent among young adults aged 30 to 39 years. Interestingly, positive lifestyle changes were more common in overweight and obese individuals than in those of normal body weight prior to the pandemic. 27% of the population increased their involvement in physical activities. Participants in this group reported higher consumption of vegetables and fruits as well as whole-grain products. 76% of respondents reduced their fast-food consumption, and over half consumed fewer salty snacks and sweets. 53% of individuals consumed homemade baked goods more frequently, and over 60% consumed homemade meals more frequently than prior to the pandemic.
Ineffective behaviour patterns
Ineffective behaviour patterns that negatively affected health were primarily observed in people whose working hours were shortened compared to the pre-pandemic period. Up to 79,6% of respondents reported a higher intake of sweets. More than half of those surveyed in this group had reduced physical activity, with the same number of people consuming more food. There was less intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain products, and more fast food and salty snacks. The respondents reported a higher salt intake. More than half of these respondents had homemade meals on their tables more frequently. Both groups showed a significant increase in screen time. 60% of all respondents stated that they currently spend more time in front of the computer. 35% of those surveyed spent more than 8 hours in front of the screen on working days. The reasons given were boredom, work, and entertainment. In all groups, an increased alcohol consumption was observed: 18% of people with health-promoting behaviours and 29% of people with unhealthy behaviours. The majority of respondents did not notice any change in sleep duration, 30% of all respondents slept longer. The comforting fact is that many people prefer to cook and bake at home. Interestingly, the recipe for sourdough bread was one of the most searched terms on the internet, not only in Poland but also worldwide.
Italy - 8 most substantial transformations that have influenced dietary habits and lifestyle
Researcher Rosa Fanelli has pointed out several transformations in dietary habits and lifestyle that have influenced the Italian population in the wake of the pandemic.
An alteration in the method of securing goods
Throughout the pandemic, shopping was predominantly carried out online, primarily for non-food products, but food items were also increasingly being obtained via the internet. Smaller stores of a local nature were favored to circumvent large crowds in big supermarkets.
Alteration of the shopping basket composition
Italian consumers have lessened their procurement and intake of highly processed products or pre-prepared meals. Their primary source of sustenance consists of products emblematic of the Mediterranean dietary style, and their diet is healthier than before the prevailing pandemic, as they include more fruits and vegetables in their diet.
Food intake as a method to counteract stress and anxiety
Indeed, current events have an impact on the increase in stress levels. Some individuals influenced by intense emotions seek relief in food intake as they seek comfort and calmness. Consuming food products for emotional reasons, as this phenomenon is called, helps in reducing tension and restoring balance. Usually, people opt for products high in fat and sugar, such as candies, pastries, chocolate.
Reduction in food wastage
The uncertain times associated with the pandemic and concerns regarding economic restrictions have led to an increase in awareness and accountability amongst Italian consumers. Italians have commenced more cautious actions during shopping, meal planning, and creating a shopping list prior to entering the store. As a result, a substantial decrease in food waste has been observed.
Concentration on safe nutrition
The risk to health and life has led consumers in Italy to pay more attention to food safety. Up to 70% of those surveyed believed that whether food is safe is a critical issue that influences their decisions. 28% of the respondents stated that they check food labels more often than before. The freshness of products also plays a significant role.
Preparation of meals in a domestic setting
Similar to studies conducted in Poland, more frequent preparation of meals in a domestic setting was observed. More than half of the study participants reported that during the pandemic, the amount of meals prepared and baked increased, most likely due to the desire to utilize free time during home quarantine.
Desire leading to healthy nourishment
Terror associated with illness prompted people to yearn for an enhancement of immunity, and they began to discern the consequential role played by a healthy, properly balanced diet abundant in nutrients that support our immune systems.
Decreased physical activity
The decrease in physical activity is linked to numerous restrictions implemented during the pandemic. The closure of gyms and fitness clubs, restrictions on visiting parks and playgrounds have significantly limited the opportunities for engaging in sports.
France is interested in soothing food
French researchers decided to investigate the impact of the lockdown on children's behavior and their parents' food choices. More than half of the parents surveyed, around 500 parents of children aged 3 to 12 years old, noted a significant increase in the frequency of emotional eating behaviors in their children. Children were more likely to opt for sugary snacks, chocolate, fruit juices, sweetened beverages, cookies, and salty snacks. More than half of the parents noticed that their children were more frequently bored. Eating became a way for children to alleviate boredom and reduce stress during this monotonous period. Parents were more likely to use food as a means to soothe and improve the mood. Children gained more freedom in deciding what, when, and how much they wanted to eat. The rules regarding meal times became significantly more relaxed. 85% of parents declared that their motivation for selecting food products had changed. They were much more likely to prioritize pleasure over convenience. Almost half of the participants reported that they were more likely to feel hungry in connection with accompanying emotions (boredom, restlessness, stress). "Comfort food" was very popular. More than half of the participants cooked at home more often, and 71% of them spent more time cooking with their children.
Anna Schmidt
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