The Effects of E-Healthy Nutrition Literacy, Food Label Reading and Healthy Nutrition Attitudes on Generations X, Y and Z

This study aims to examine individuals’ e-nutrition literacy, food label reading behaviors, and healthy eating attitudes across different age groups. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Istanbul with the participation of 385 volunteers aged 18–65 years. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 30.0.0.0. The findings indicated that positive attitudes toward healthy eating increased with age, with Generation X achieving the highest scores. A significant difference was found between Generations X and Y in food label reading behavior (p = 0.044), with Generation X showing more favorable attitudes. A significant difference also emerged between Generations Y and Z (p = 0.008), with Generation Y demonstrating more positive label reading behavior. Furthermore, significant differences were identified in emotional eating attitudes between Generations X and Y, and in unhealthy eating behaviors between Generations X and Z (p = 0.003). It was also found that Generation Y had significantly higher e-nutrition literacy compared to Generation Z. In conclusion, the study revealed differences among generations in nutrition literacy and food label reading behaviors, highlighting the need to improve these skills particularly among younger generations. In this context, digital awareness initiatives, peer education programs, technology-supported health applications, and psychosocial support programs are emphasized as important strategies.