Food Delivery Applications and the Digital Food Environment: Motivations and Implications for Public Health Nutrition
1
Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
2
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3282
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
The expansion of out-of-home food acquisition has led food environments to increasingly incorporate digital interfaces, particularly meal delivery applications, which may shape perceptions of food availability and influence dietary choices. This study explored motivations for the use of food and beverage delivery applications among Brazilian users.
METHODS:
This qualitative, exploratory study used three online focus groups with 21 adult users of food and beverage delivery applications residing in all five regions of Brazil. Eligibility criteria included age ≥18 years and use of a delivery application at least once in the previous 30 days. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling via digital media. Focus groups were conducted via videoconference (Google Meet), with an average duration of 65 minutes, and moderated using a semi-structured guide addressing app use, types of orders, and perceived influences on eating habits. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis based on Minayo’s framework, supported by NVivo software.
RESULTS:
Five motivational subcategories were identified. Emotional eating and comfort food reflected the association between emotional states, particularly stress and anxiety, and app use. Time constraints emerged as a central driver, linked to demanding routines and limited time for meal preparation. Participants also highlighted the reduction of physical and cognitive effort associated with cooking, including planning, organization, and culinary skills. Convenience was related to platform usability, aggregation of multiple food options in a single interface, and streamlined ordering and payment processes. Marketing and price incentives, such as promotions, discount coupons, and push notifications, were reported as important triggers for often unplanned purchases.
CONCLUSIONS:
Delivery app use reflects contemporary lifestyles characterized by time scarcity, high stress, and exposure to digital food marketing. Public health nutrition interventions tailored to the digital food environment may support healthier and more sustainable food choices.
The expansion of out-of-home food acquisition has led food environments to increasingly incorporate digital interfaces, particularly meal delivery applications, which may shape perceptions of food availability and influence dietary choices. This study explored motivations for the use of food and beverage delivery applications among Brazilian users.
METHODS:
This qualitative, exploratory study used three online focus groups with 21 adult users of food and beverage delivery applications residing in all five regions of Brazil. Eligibility criteria included age ≥18 years and use of a delivery application at least once in the previous 30 days. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling via digital media. Focus groups were conducted via videoconference (Google Meet), with an average duration of 65 minutes, and moderated using a semi-structured guide addressing app use, types of orders, and perceived influences on eating habits. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis based on Minayo’s framework, supported by NVivo software.
RESULTS:
Five motivational subcategories were identified. Emotional eating and comfort food reflected the association between emotional states, particularly stress and anxiety, and app use. Time constraints emerged as a central driver, linked to demanding routines and limited time for meal preparation. Participants also highlighted the reduction of physical and cognitive effort associated with cooking, including planning, organization, and culinary skills. Convenience was related to platform usability, aggregation of multiple food options in a single interface, and streamlined ordering and payment processes. Marketing and price incentives, such as promotions, discount coupons, and push notifications, were reported as important triggers for often unplanned purchases.
CONCLUSIONS:
Delivery app use reflects contemporary lifestyles characterized by time scarcity, high stress, and exposure to digital food marketing. Public health nutrition interventions tailored to the digital food environment may support healthier and more sustainable food choices.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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