Most adults in the Czech Republic know about sustainable eating but don’t actually practice it consistently, according to a 2025 cross-sectional survey of 192 people. While 71% reported familiarity with sustainable diets, their actual adherence scored only 5 out of 10. Gram Research analysis of this pilot study found that high food costs (67%), lack of motivation (52%), and insufficient information (34%) were the main barriers, but people said they would change if sustainable food were more affordable and recipes were simpler
A new survey of 192 adults in the Czech Republic reveals an interesting puzzle: most people know that sustainable eating is good for them and the planet, but they’re not actually doing it. Researchers found that 71% of respondents had heard about sustainable diets, yet their actual eating habits scored only 5 out of 10. The biggest obstacles were food costs, lack of motivation, and not knowing enough about how to eat sustainably. Interestingly, people said they’d be motivated by affordable options and easy recipes. This pilot study suggests that knowing about healthy eating and actually practicing it are two very different things, and that practical support like cooking classes and budget-friendly meal ideas could make a real difference.
Key Statistics
A 2025 cross-sectional survey of 192 Czech adults found that 71% reported familiarity with sustainable healthy diets, yet their median self-rated adherence was only 5 out of 10, revealing a significant gap between awareness and actual practice
In the Czech pilot study, 67% of respondents cited high food costs as the primary barrier to sustainable eating, while 63% said affordability of sustainable options would be their strongest motivator to change
Only 5% of survey respondents regularly used nutrition-related mobile applications, but 40% said they would attend a free nutrition course if offered, suggesting demand for accessible education when cost barriers are removed
The 2025 Czech survey found that 74% recognized food waste reduction and 72% recognized local and seasonal consumption as sustainable eating principles, yet these high awareness levels did not translate into consistent dietary practice
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Why people in the Czech Republic don’t eat as sustainably as they know they should, and what would help them make better food choices
- Who participated: 192 adults from the Czech Republic who took an online survey between March and July 2025. The group was recruited through purposive and snowball sampling methods, meaning researchers asked specific people to participate and those people referred friends
- Key finding: While 71% of respondents said they were familiar with sustainable eating, their actual adherence was only 5 out of 10. The biggest barriers were high food prices (67% cited this), lack of motivation (52%), and not having enough information (34%)
- What it means for you: If you live in Central or Eastern Europe, you’re probably not alone if you know eating sustainably is important but struggle to do it consistently. The good news: people said they would change their habits if food was more affordable and recipes were simpler. This suggests that practical support, not just information, is what’s needed
The Research Details
This was a cross-sectional pilot study, which means researchers took a snapshot of people’s attitudes and behaviors at one point in time rather than following them over months or years. Between March and July 2025, researchers invited 192 adults in the Czech Republic to complete an online survey. The survey asked about their awareness of sustainable eating, what they actually eat, where they get nutrition information, what stops them from eating sustainably, and what would motivate them to change. The researchers used a non-probability sampling approach, meaning they didn’t randomly select participants from the entire population. Instead, they used purposive sampling (asking specific people they thought would be interested) and snowball sampling (asking participants to refer friends). This method is faster and cheaper but means the results may not represent all Czech adults equally.
This research approach is useful for exploring a new topic and identifying patterns that deserve deeper investigation. Since there’s limited research on sustainable eating awareness in Central and Eastern Europe, a pilot study helps researchers understand what questions to ask and what issues matter most to people in this region. The combination of closed-ended questions (like rating adherence on a scale) and open-ended questions (where people write their own answers) provides both numbers and real-world context. However, because this is a pilot study with a small, non-representative sample, it’s best viewed as a starting point for future research rather than definitive proof
Strengths of this study include its focus on an understudied region and its mix of quantitative and qualitative data. Limitations include the small sample size (192 people), the non-representative recruitment method, and the lack of formal analysis of open-ended responses. The researchers were transparent about these limitations, noting that findings should be interpreted cautiously. The online survey format may have excluded people without internet access or comfort using technology. The study was conducted in one country during a specific time period, so results may not apply to other regions or future years
What the Results Show
The most striking finding was the gap between awareness and action. Seventy-one percent of respondents reported familiarity with sustainable healthy diets, but when asked to rate how well they actually followed these principles, the median score was only 5 out of 10. This suggests that knowing about sustainable eating and actually doing it are very different challenges. When asked which sustainable eating principles they recognized, respondents most often mentioned reducing food waste (74%) and eating local and seasonal products (72%). These were the easiest concepts for people to understand and remember. However, understanding these principles didn’t translate into consistent practice. The research also revealed what people see as the main obstacles to sustainable eating. Cost was by far the biggest barrier, with 67% saying expensive food prices prevented them from eating more sustainably. More than half (52%) cited lack of motivation, and 34% said they simply didn’t have enough information about how to eat sustainably. Interestingly, when asked what would motivate them to change, 63% said affordability (cheaper sustainable options) and 53% said simple, easy-to-follow recipes. This suggests that practical support matters more than additional information alone.
The survey also explored how people currently get nutrition information and what educational resources they use. Only 16% of respondents felt that school-based nutrition education was sufficient, suggesting that most people don’t think schools are doing enough to teach healthy eating. Very few people (just 5%) regularly used mobile apps related to nutrition, even though apps are increasingly available. However, 40% said they would attend a free nutrition course if one were offered, indicating genuine interest in learning when barriers like cost are removed. These findings suggest that people want more education and support, but current resources aren’t reaching them effectively
According to Gram Research analysis, this pilot study fills a gap in the research literature. Most studies on sustainable eating have focused on Western Europe and North America, leaving Central and Eastern Europe understudied. The finding that awareness doesn’t automatically lead to behavior change aligns with research from other regions, which has consistently shown that knowledge alone is insufficient to change eating habits. The barriers identified in this Czech study (cost, motivation, information) are similar to those found in other countries, suggesting these are universal challenges. However, the specific percentages and the emphasis on affordability as a key motivator may be particularly relevant to Central and Eastern Europe, where food costs and economic factors may play a larger role than in wealthier regions
This pilot study has several important limitations. First, the sample of 192 people is relatively small and was not randomly selected, so the results may not represent all Czech adults. People who chose to participate in an online survey about sustainable eating may already be more interested in the topic than the general population, which could skew results. Second, the study was conducted online, which excludes people without internet access or comfort using technology. Third, the researchers reviewed open-ended responses descriptively but didn’t conduct formal qualitative analysis, meaning some nuances in people’s answers may have been missed. Finally, this is a snapshot from one time period (March to July 2025), so we don’t know if these patterns hold true at other times or if they’re changing over time. The researchers appropriately recommend that findings be used to inform future research rather than as definitive conclusions
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, public health efforts in the Czech Republic should focus on three areas: making sustainable food options more affordable, providing simple and practical recipes, and offering accessible nutrition education. The evidence suggests that information campaigns alone won’t work; people need concrete support to change their eating habits. Free or low-cost cooking classes, subsidies for sustainable foods, and easy-to-follow meal planning resources would likely be more effective than simply telling people why sustainable eating matters. These recommendations have moderate confidence because they’re based on a pilot study with limitations, but they align with what people themselves said would help them change
This research is most relevant to policymakers, public health professionals, and nutrition educators in the Czech Republic and other Central and Eastern European countries. It’s also useful for food companies and app developers considering how to make sustainable eating more accessible. Individuals interested in eating more sustainably should recognize that struggling to change eating habits is normal and common, not a personal failure. If you’re interested in sustainable eating but find it challenging, look for affordable options, simple recipes, and community support rather than relying on willpower alone
Realistic expectations for change depend on what support is available. If affordability and practical resources improve, people might see changes in their eating habits within weeks to months. However, building lasting habits typically takes several months to a year. This research suggests that one-time education or information campaigns won’t produce lasting change; ongoing support and resources are needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people know about sustainable eating but not do it?
A 2025 Czech survey of 192 adults found that cost (67%), lack of motivation (52%), and insufficient information (34%) are the main barriers. People said they need affordable options and simple recipes, not just more information about why sustainable eating matters
What would actually motivate people to eat more sustainably?
According to the Czech pilot study, 63% said affordability of sustainable foods would motivate them, and 53% cited simple, easy-to-follow recipes. People also showed interest in free nutrition education, with 40% willing to attend courses
Is sustainable eating awareness high in Central Europe?
The 2025 Czech survey found 71% reported familiarity with sustainable diets, but this awareness didn’t match actual eating habits. This pilot study suggests awareness exists but practical barriers prevent people from acting on it
Do nutrition apps help people eat more sustainably?
Only 5% of Czech survey respondents regularly used nutrition apps, suggesting current apps aren’t reaching most people. However, 40% expressed interest in free nutrition education, indicating demand for accessible digital tools
What sustainable eating principles do people understand best?
The Czech survey found 74% recognized food waste reduction and 72% understood local and seasonal eating. However, understanding these principles didn’t guarantee people actually practiced them consistently
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly adherence to sustainable eating principles using a simple 1-10 scale, noting which barriers (cost, motivation, knowledge) were most challenging that week. Also track which motivators (affordability, recipe simplicity) actually helped you make better choices
- Use the app to find and save budget-friendly, sustainable recipes that take 30 minutes or less to prepare. Set weekly reminders to plan meals around local and seasonal products available in your area, and track food waste reduction by logging what you compost or donate
- Monthly, review your adherence scores and identify patterns. If cost is your biggest barrier, use the app to find affordable sustainable options in your area. If motivation is low, connect with other users for accountability. If information is lacking, use the app’s educational resources or set reminders to attend a free nutrition course
This pilot study provides exploratory insights into sustainable eating awareness and barriers in the Czech Republic but should not be considered definitive evidence for all populations. The sample was small (192 people) and non-representative, recruited through online methods that may exclude certain groups. Findings are most useful for informing future research and public health planning rather than as conclusive proof. Individual dietary choices should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare providers or registered dietitians who understand your personal health needs, medical history, and local food environment. This research does not constitute medical advice
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.