Some Zambians Believe Packaged Foods Are Healthier Than Fresh Foods, Study Finds

A new study has revealed that some Zambians consider packaged foods such as biscuits, soft drinks and processed snacks safer and healthier than fresh foods sold in local markets.

Surprisingly, researchers found that this perception is not necessarily driven by nutritional value, but by concerns about cleanliness and food handling in informal markets.

Published in the international journal Health & Place in July 2026, the study involved 57 participants from Choma in Southern Province and Chipata in Eastern Province.

Researchers found that some consumers were concerned about vegetables, meat, milk and other fresh foods being sold uncovered, exposed to flies or displayed near garbage and sewer lines.

In contrast, sealed and neatly packaged products sold in clean shops were often viewed as safer and healthier, even when they contained high amounts of sugar, salt or unhealthy fats.

The study also examined attitudes towards traditional Zambian foods such as mabisi, a fermented milk product recognised for its nutritional benefits.

Although participants generally considered mabisi healthy, some questioned its safety because it was sometimes sold in reused bottles or unhygienic containers.

Researchers warned that such concerns could discourage people from buying nutritious traditional foods while making heavily processed alternatives appear more attractive.

The researchers say the findings highlight an important challenge for Zambia’s food system: improving nutrition requires more than simply encouraging people to eat healthy foods.

Markets must also provide clean water, proper waste disposal, safe food storage and hygienic trading environments.

They recommend improving market infrastructure alongside public education about nutrition, warning that attractive packaging does not automatically mean food is healthy.

Photo Source: National Food and Nutrition Commission of Zambia