NUT626 Consumer Behavior and Food Trends

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course examines the psychological, sociocultural, economic, and environmental factors that influence consumer food choices and the emergence of food trends. Emphasis is placed on understanding how consumers perceive, evaluate, and adopt food innovations, how trends are shaped and disseminated, and how stakeholders (e.g., governments, industry, and media) influence consumption patterns. The course integrates behavioral theories with contemporary issues such as sustainability, health consciousness, digital marketing, and technology adoption in the food system. Students will critically evaluate and apply current research and methods to analyze consumer behavior in diverse global contexts.