The role of Mediterranean diet in reducing household food waste: the UniFoodWaste study among italian students

This is a cross-sectional study exploring the association between Mediterranean Diet (MD) adherence and food waste behaviours. A total of 2,697 Italian university students participated (28% high MD adherence). Participants with higher adherence to the MD exhibit food waste-conscious behaviours, measured using the validated Household Food Waste Behaviour (HFWB) questionnaire. Specifically, higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, and legumes was significantly associated with lower food waste scores. Greater adherence to the MD significantly reduced the odds of engaging in high-waste behaviours (OR = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.41–0.62, p < 0.001). Individuals with higher MD adherence demonstrated superior skills in managing leftovers and estimating food quantities. Parental influence on food waste behaviours was positively correlated with adherence to the MD. These findings highlight the potential of promoting the MD not only for its health benefits but also as a strategy for reducing household food waste, with implications for both public health and environmental sustainability.