Factors affecting food selection: the role of economics.

This article attempts to identify the scope and contributions of food demand research developed by microeconomists to facilitate incorporation of findings into food behavior research undertaken by nutrition professionals. It explores the ways economists have traditionally analyzed determinants of food selection, reviews the "New Home Economics" approach, which is being used to expand the traditional conceptual and empirical economics models, and discusses ways in which economics can contribute to a better understanding of the individual and household food selection process.