Determinants of food retail outlet choice in an urban food environment: a qualitative study in Indonesia.

backgroundUrbanisation and food system transformations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are reshaping local food retail environments, influencing diets and nutrition outcomes. The expansion of ultra-processed products (UPPs) and changing food outlet landscapes are key drivers of the triple burden of malnutrition across LMICs, including rising rates of obesity and related non-communicable disease (NCD). Yet, qualitative insights into how local communities interact with evolving food retail environments remains limited.

methodsA qualitative study in three urban communities of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, between September 2018 and April 2019. A total of 45 semi-structured interviews lasting between 35 min and 1.5 h were conducted with individuals primarily responsible for household food purchasing and preparation, supported by transect walks to map food outlet types. Data were analysed iteratively, combining emic perspectives with pre-determined themes based on established urban food environments and food systems frameworks.

resultsParticipants accessed a wide range of formal and informal food retail outlets. Food acquisition strategies were diverse and dynamic, with respondents often relying on multiple outlets for different product types. Five main themes emerged as key drivers of food retail outlet choice: economic reasons, convenience, produce quality, product variety, and personal or social relationships with vendors. Supermarkets were visited infrequently and mainly used for bulk or non-perishable purchases, while markets and other traditional outlets were preferred for daily needs due to perceived freshness, affordability, and trust in sellers.

conclusionFindings highlight the complexity of urban food acquisition in LMIC settings, where residents navigate diverse food retail options shaped by economic, social, and contextual factors. Informal vendors remain central to everyday food access across socio-economic groups, pointing to the need for context-specific public health policies and programmes that do not assume a linear transition toward formalisation, but instead work with existing informal structures. Interventions should aim to regulate the availability and marketing of UPPs, support healthier retail environments across all outlet types, and leverage trust, familiarity, and local networks in shaping dietary behaviours through bottom-up approaches.