Food systems affect our diets and health, as well as the planet, yet the inter-connections between food production and consumption and the states of the climate and natural environment are both complex and obscure. While few understand the structure and impact of food systems, some may not even be aware of these connections. Even among those who are aware, there are several barriers to changing how and what we eat.


This research investigates the way adolescents think about food, and what makes certain individuals more engaged in the sustainability of what they consume. We seek knowledge on the constituents of a sustainability mindset, to support the planning of interventions aimed at encouraging sustainable food choices. Young consumers are targeted specifically due to their potential for driving change.


Based on a systematic literature review, we developed a theoretical sustainability mindset model, covering three domains (knowledge, values, competence) and five underlying facets (systems thinking, ecological worldview, contextual values, self-efficacy, growth mindset). This model informed the design of a survey, distributed to high school students (15-19 years) in Norway. Analyses of data from 438 students revealed three segments: One segment (N=179) stood out with low scores on systems thinking, ecological worldview, and self-efficacy, a second segment (N=84) had particularly high scores on self-efficacy, whereas the third segment (N=175) scored high on both systems thinking and ecological worldview, with lower self-efficacy than the second. Growth mindset scores were comparable across segments, and food values mirrored earlier findings on the importance of taste and price, along with food safety. Results highlight that systems thinking and ecological worldview are prominent components in a sustainability mindset, and raising self-efficacy may be key to unlocking young people's potential for driving the shift towards more sustainable food choices.