Societal change is reflected in food consumption habits. In
postindustrial societies consumers are increasingly emphasizing health,
ethical, and ecological aspects in their consumption habits. This study
investigated the changes in food consumption in Finland during
1985-2016. Fruits and berries, vegetables, and fish were used as
indicators of healthy and contemporary food habits. To untangle the
dynamics of change, time series data of Finnish household budget surveys
from 1985 to 2016 and novel age-period-cohort models were used. The
share of total food expenditure of all examined foods increased during
the study period. Increasing vegetable and fruit consumption was
reflected in the younger birth cohorts consuming more than the preceding
ones. The food expenditure shares of fruit, berries, and fish were
highest and rose most in over-50 age groups. However, the food
expenditure shares of vegetables, and fruit and berries also rose in
younger age groups during the most recent period. Cohort differences
could not be explained by rising incomes, educational level or
urbanization.