This study analyzes the factors influencing food waste behaviors among consumers in China, where food loss and waste have significant implications for food security. Drawing on data from 3,857 online surveys conducted among households across metropolitan areas in China, the study employs an ordered multinomial logit model to evaluate how various factors affect the frequency and amount of household food waste.
Results indicate that food waste tends to increase with income, age, and education levels, although the rate of increase slows as these factors rise. Additionally, household demographics, food planning, and meal preparation practices have a statistically significant impact on food waste behavior. These findings suggest that consumer-level food waste is strongly shaped by behavior, and addressing it may require public policies and educational campaigns to raise awareness and encourage waste reduction among families. The study’s insights are relevant for policymakers and organizations focused on reducing food waste and improving food security in China.