Age-Related Differences in Eating Habits of Latvian Adults

Dietary habits are modifiable determinants of health and may change across the lifespan due to socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. The aim of the study was to assess age-related differences in eating habits, nutrition literacy, and perceived barriers to healthy eating among Latvian adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1133 Latvian adults aged 18–94 years. Participants completed a structured face-to-face questionnaire assessing self-reported diet quality, perceived barriers to healthy eating and selected dietary behaviours. Differences between age groups were evaluated using Pearson chi-square, one-way ANOVA, or Kruskal–Wallis tests. Most respondents rated their diet as “generally good, but could be improved,” with no significant age differences (p = 0.10). Younger adults more frequently reported lack of time, cooking skills, and work-related conditions as barriers to healthy eating (p < 0.01), but financial difficulties increased significantly with age (p < 0.01). Awareness and application of the plate principle in meal planning and fruit and vegetable intake recommendations were low across all age groups. Fast food consumption decreased significantly with age (p < 0.01), older adults also more often reported low daily water in-take (p < 0.01). Eating habits and perceived barriers to healthy eating differ across adulthood in Latvia, highlighting the need for age-specific nutrition interventions.