Macro dEterminants of cookiNg behavioUrs: An analysis of 140 countries (MENU)

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) cause 41 million deaths annually and disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This is coupled with a global decline in diet quality, a key modifiable risk factor for NCDs. Low upfront costs of energy-dense, nutrient-poor items have intensified dietary inequalities, particularly among vulnerable and food-insecure populations. Technological and food system changes have further contributed to this trend. Ensuring access to safe and nutritious food requires resilient food systems and supportive food-related behaviours such as cooking. Cooking is associated with improved diet quality, food security, wellbeing and broader health outcomes, yet global declines in home cooking and reduced educational opportunities limit skill development among young people. Cooking behaviours are shaped by complex and interconnected determinants, which will be analysed in this secondary data analysis of the Gallup World Poll.