How the war changed the eating habits of Ukrainians

17 October 17:21

For almost half of Ukrainians, the full-scale war has changed their eating habits. Among the key factors influencing changes in eating habits, respondents named rising food prices, prolonged stress and enemy attacks with their consequences, Komersant UkrainianKomersant Ukrainian reports, citing a survey by Gradus Research.

In a detailed assessment, stress (83%) ranks first among the factors influencing changes in eating habits. Due to stress and emotional exhaustion, half of the Ukrainians surveyed eat irregularly (49%), eat more unhealthy food (42%), have a reduced appetite (41%) and skip some meals (41%). 19% of respondents also indicated that they have started drinking more alcohol.

Due to the rise in food prices during the war, almost two-thirds (64%) of respondents choose cheaper products, and almost half of respondents cook at home more often (48%).

Blackouts also have a significant impact on the eating habits of Ukrainians. As a result of power, heating or water outages, respondents most often mentioned that they prefer long-term storage products (59%) and cold food (50%).

“Living through the war and the experience of blackouts has made Ukrainian consumers hardened. People are rebuilding their diet and adapting their habits. At the same time, a third of respondents have alternative sources of power, and another third have alternative means of heating and cooking. And only 34% of respondents are considering leaving their locality or country in the event of prolonged blackouts,” comments Yevheniia Blyzniuk, sociologist, founder and director of Gradus Research.

The war has forced Ukrainians to cut their food budget

These changes are most pronounced among respondents aged 56 and over, with 77% of them saving money.

Confectionery (49%) and fish and seafood (48%) are among the categories on which people save the most. Meanwhile, the category of basic products has hardly been affected by budget cuts – only 11% of respondents save on bread, oil, flour, cereals, vegetables and eggs.

Мандровська Олександра
Editor