How can we measure food and nutrition literacy in children and adolescents?
How can we measure food and nutrition literacy in children and adolescents?
This systematic review examined existing tools used to measure food literacy and nutrition literacy in children and adolescents and found that more research is needed to develop age-appropriate and reliable ways to assess these important skills.
What We Did and Why We Did It
We conducted a systematic review of existing tools that measure food literacy (FL) and nutrition literacy (NL) among children and adolescents. Researchers searched six databases to identify studies that developed or tested tools for measuring FL and NL in children ages 2–18 years. We reviewed the characteristics of each tool, including what skills they measured, how they were administered, and whether they were shown to be valid and reliable. We also assessed the quality of the methods used to develop and test these tools.
Food and nutrition literacy includes the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make healthy food choices, prepare foods, understand nutrition information, and navigate today’s food environment. Developing these skills early in life can help support healthy eating habits that continue into adulthood. However, there is currently no universally accepted way to measure food and nutrition literacy among children and adolescents. Understanding what tools are available can help researchers and educators better assess these skills and develop effective nutrition programs.
What We Found
What We Can Learn From This
We identified 12 tools designed to measure food literacy and/or nutrition literacy among children and adolescents. Most tools focused on older children and teenagers (ages 9–18), while only one tool was designed specifically for preschool-aged children (ages 3–6). The tools measured a variety of skills, including nutrition knowledge, food preparation skills, understanding food labels, and the ability to interpret nutrition information. Most tools showed evidence that they were reliable and accurately measured the skills they were designed to assess. However, many tools were developed for specific countries and populations, meaning they may not apply to all children or cultural contexts. The review also found that current definitions of food and nutrition literacy are often based on adults and may not fully consider children’s developmental stages and limited independence in making food decisions.
Building food and nutrition literacy during childhood can help children develop the skills and confidence needed to make healthy food choices throughout life. To better support children, researchers need to continue developing tools that are age-appropriate, culturally relevant, and designed specifically for younger populations. Programs that teach children about food, cooking, and nutrition should consider children’s developmental abilities and focus on building practical skills alongside nutrition knowledge.
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