Social class differences in food consumption

Social class differences in food consumption refers to how the quantity and quality of food varies according to a person's social status or position in the social hierarchy . Various disciplines, including social, psychological, nutritional, and public health sciences, have examined this topic. Social class can be examined according to defining factors — education, income, or occupational status — or subjective components, like perceived rank in society.

Eating behavior is a highly affiliative act, thus the food one eats is closely tied with one's social class throughout history. In contemporary Western society, social class differences in food consumption follow a general pattern. Upper class groups consume foods that signify exclusivity and access to rare goods; while lower class groups, on the other hand, consume foods that are readily available.