Impact of Street Food Availability on Nutritional Intake and Diet-Related Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

The community food environment influences access to food, which depends on the type of food venues available. However, studies predominantly focus on the Global North, often neglecting culturally relevant food sources in the Global South, like street food (SF) stalls. SF are a popular, affordable, and convenient source of energy and nutrients, but research mainly addresses food safety rather than their impact on diet-related non-communicable diseases. This systematic review evaluates SF's roles in food, energy, and nutrient consumption and health outcomes globally. Our team reviewed peer-reviewed articles from eight databases in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, using combinations of key terms related to SF, nutrition, and body weight. A total of 129 articles met the criteria. Findings indicate SF include different items of varied food groups, nutritional contents, and processing extents. SF are vital for providing food access, especially in urban areas near worksites and schools. However, only seven studies explored the link between SF consumption and cardiometabolic risk, showing mixed results. Future research with longitudinal design is necessary for establishing clearer health-impact relationships.