Food Cues
Food cues refer to various sensory stimuli or environmental signals that influence an individual's perception, desire, and food consumption. These cues can include visual, olfactory, gustatory, and even auditory signals…
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Nutritional psychology examines how dietary patterns, nutrients, food-related behaviors, and psychological factors interact with mental health and well-being. Launched by the Center for Nutritional Psychology in 2024, the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology defines the terms, mechanisms, processes, and research areas shaping this growing field.
Created for students, educators, researchers, healthcare professionals, and curious readers, the ENP includes hundreds of clear, research-informed entries. Content is written and regularly updated by contributors across relevant scientific disciplines, with new entries and major revisions reviewed by the CNP Encyclopedia Editorial Board before publication.
The encyclopedia helps readers understand terminology and foundational concepts. For deeper exploration of the studies behind those concepts, visit the Nutritional Psychology Research Library .
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Food cues refer to various sensory stimuli or environmental signals that influence an individual's perception, desire, and food consumption. These cues can include visual, olfactory, gustatory, and even auditory signals…
Food culture refers to the way food is grown, prepared, shared, and consumed, along with the customs that influence these activities.
Food deserts are areas, typically in urban or rural settings, where access to affordable, nutritious food is limited or nonexistent. People living in food deserts may have difficulty obtaining fresh,…
A Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) is a dietary assessment tool that asks people how often they eat specific foods and beverages over a set period, such as the past month…
Food insecurity is the limited or uncertain access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. It is linked to poor diet quality, nutrient deficiencies, and an increased risk of stress, anxiety, depression, and other adverse physical and mental health outcomes.
Food is Medicine is the provision of healthy food — such as medically tailored meals, medically tailored groceries, and produce prescriptions — to prevent, manage, or treat specific health conditions in coordination with the health care sector.
Food labeling involves the information and details provided on the packaging or label of food products. This information typically includes the product name, ingredients, nutritional content, allergens, serving size, and…
Food marketing refers to the activities and strategies businesses and organizations use to promote, advertise, and sell food products to consumers. It encompasses various techniques, such as advertising, branding, packaging,…
"Food noise" is a term used to describe the intensified and lasting responses individuals have to signals or stimuli associated with food. This heightened reactivity often results in intrusive thoughts…
Food reinforcement refers to the psychological and physiological processes that drive individuals to seek and consume food. It involves the rewarding aspects of eating, which can be influenced by sensory…
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