Analysis of global studies shows disease-related shocks trigger panic buying followed by sustainable adaptations, while financial crises cause persistent switches to cheaper alternatives, according to Corvinus University research
Different economic shocks, whether through pandemics, wars, or financial crises, have different influences on how we eat and buy food.
That is according to new research from Corvinus University of Budapest, first published in the journal Trends in Food Science & Technology.
Researchers analysed 112 papers across almost 70 countries to explore the impact of economic shocks – disease-related, financial, geopolitical and price – on food consumption behaviour.
They found common features, including panic buying, cheaper substitutes, and preference for local sources and online purchasing, but exact response patterns varied.
Disease-related shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic initially trigger emotional reactions such as stockpiling, followed by sustainable adaptations such as increased online shopping and more careful use of food resources, it suggested.
Financial crises cause slower, more persistent changes, researchers said, with households switching to cheaper brands and compromising on quality of food.
Geopolitical conflicts, for example the Russia–Ukraine war, trigger inflation and impact supply chains, which then boost demand for local substitutes.
Price shocks in the food sector arise from global and domestic economic pressures, supply chain disruptions, and policy changes, forcing especially low-income households to reduce food purchases, switch to cheaper substitutes, or self-produce, increasing poverty and welfare losses.
This, the research said, underlines an ”urgent need” for resilient and equitable food policies to mitigate the impact of future crises.
“Targeted support – such as food aid, cash transfers, or free school meals – can help protect vulnerable groups in the short term,” said Zalán Márk Maró, lead researcher and assistant professor from Corvinus University.
”In the long term, investments in domestic agriculture, support for local producers, and diversifying supply chains are more effective, as these steps improve the resilience of the food system.”
