Online surveys, a breakthrough in research, especially in nutrition and food sciences

BACKGROUND: Technological advancements and widespread internet connectivity have fundamentally transformed data collection across academic disciplines. Traditional methods are increasingly being replaced by online surveys, driven by their capacity for rapid deployment, lower costs, flexible design, and automated data handling. METHODS: This narrative review synthesises methodological evidence on online survey design, sampling techniques, recruitment strategies, data quality safeguards, and ethical and privacy considerations. The primary focus of this study is an examination of their applications specifically related to nutrition and food science. RESULTS: Examining online surveys reveals several advantages, including reduced costs and transcription time. However, limitations such as response bias and digital accessibility must also be acknowledged. Common use cases in nutrition education, consumer research and nutritional epidemiology are also presented. Additionally, emerging directions are discussed, including the integration of new technologies such as artificial intelligence. CONCLUSIONS: Online surveys are a versatile and essential instrument for modern nutrition and food science research. However, their scientific value is not inherent, it depends on rigorous design.