Household Food Waste Patterns Across Groups: A Clustering Analysis Based on Theory of Planned Behavior Constructs and Shopping Characteristics.

ABSTRACT: Theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs and shopping routines are strong predictors of food waste behavior, while socio-demographic factors show mixed and weaker associations. We analyzed survey data from a nationally representative sample of 1066 U.S. households, measuring self-reported food waste frequency across meals, food types, and disposal methods. We applied k-medoid clustering on 19 TPB constructs and 25 shopping characteristics to identify three distinct consumer segments. "Structured Planners" (Cluster 1) showed the most deliberate shopping habits and strongest engagement in food waste reduction. "Flexible Planners" (Cluster 2) shared similar waste outcomes but approached shopping with greater spontaneity, while "Younger Wasters" (Cluster 3) were younger, lower-income, and l

SUBMITTER: Yang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12650926 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature