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From Screen to Plate: How Instagram Cooking Videos Promote Healthy Eating Behaviours in Established Adulthood

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Social media platforms increasingly influence dietary behaviours, with cooking videos emerging as a key tool for promoting healthy eating. However, limited research has examined how such digital content affects adults in established adulthood. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the relationships among cooking behaviour, engagement with healthy cooking videos on Instagram, and healthy eating behaviours among Taiwanese adults aged 30 to 45. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey collected valid responses from 488 participants (effective response rate = 81.3%) who regularly cook and engage with food-related content on Instagram. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test hypothesised relationships. RESULTS: < 0.001) and mediated the effect of cooking behaviour on dietary outcomes (indirect effect = 0.105, 95% CI [0.044, 0.204]). Cooking behaviour alone was not directly associated with healthy eating behaviours (β = 0.009, n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: Engagement with healthy cooking videos enhances healthy eating practices among adults in established adulthood. These findings highlight Instagram's potential as a digital health promotion tool and support the integration of culinary media into public nutrition strategies.

Source: Nutrients

DOI: 10.3390/nu17071133

Authors: Yen-Cheng Chen, Ching-Sung Lee, Ming-Chen Chiang, Pei-Ling Tsui

Institutions: Chinese Culture University, Fu Jen Catholic University, National Taipei University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Nutrition, Health and Food Behavior

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499