This review examines global and regional trends in food consumption and the drivers behind these changes. It highlights the shift from basic staples to more diverse diets, which has led to significant health consequences, particularly in countries undergoing rapid transition. These transitions are influenced by socio-demographic factors, urbanization, food industry marketing, and trade liberalization. Trade liberalization has facilitated the 'nutrition transition,' increasing obesity and chronic diseases. Future food policies must consider both agricultural and health sectors to develop sustainable policies that benefit agriculture, human health, and the environment. Data on food consumption trends include food balance sheets (FBSs), household budget surveys, and individual dietary surveys (IDSs). FBSs provide information on average availability per person but may overestimate consumption compared to IDSs. IDSs provide more accurate data on actual dietary intake but are not available for all countries. The review also discusses trends in specific food groups, such as cereals, meat, eggs, milk, fish, vegetables, and energy providers like vegetable oils, animal fats, and sugar. Globally, there has been a significant increase in food energy availability, with a shift from carbohydrate-rich staples to vegetable oils, animal products, and sugar. Cereals remain the most important food source, but their share in calories is expected to decline. Meat consumption has increased, particularly in developing countries, while poultry consumption is expected to rise. Egg, milk, and dairy product consumption has varied, with milk consumption declining in some countries. Fish consumption has increased, but fish stocks are being depleted due to over-fishing. Vegetable and fruit consumption remains low in many regions, despite increased production. Energy providers like vegetable oils, animal fats, and sugar have seen significant increases, particularly in developing countries. The review also discusses trends in organic foods, functional foods, and genetically modified foods. Organic food production is growing, but its ability to meet global food demand is questioned. Functional foods are increasing in consumption, but consumer trust is important for their success. Genetically modified foods offer potential benefits but raise concerns about safety and environmental impact. The nutrition transition is a key driver of dietary changes, leading to increased consumption of unhealthy foods and a rise in non-communicable diseases. Income, urbanization, and trade liberalization are major drivers of food consumption, with income growth leading to higher fat diets and urbanization increasing the availability of unhealthy foods. Trade liberalization has facilitated the availability and consumption of processed foods, contributing to the nutrition transition. Transnational food corporations play a significant role in shaping food consumption patterns in developing countries. Overall, the review emphasizes the need for policies that address the complex interplay of factors influencing food consumption and its health impacts.This review examines global and regional trends in food consumption and the drivers behind these changes. It highlights the shift from basic staples to more diverse diets, which has led to significant health consequences, particularly in countries undergoing rapid transition. These transitions are influenced by socio-demographic factors, urbanization, food industry marketing, and trade liberalization. Trade liberalization has facilitated the 'nutrition transition,' increasing obesity and chronic diseases. Future food policies must consider both agricultural and health sectors to develop sustainable policies that benefit agriculture, human health, and the environment. Data on food consumption trends include food balance sheets (FBSs), household budget surveys, and individual dietary surveys (IDSs). FBSs provide information on average availability per person but may overestimate consumption compared to IDSs. IDSs provide more accurate data on actual dietary intake but are not available for all countries. The review also discusses trends in specific food groups, such as cereals, meat, eggs, milk, fish, vegetables, and energy providers like vegetable oils, animal fats, and sugar. Globally, there has been a significant increase in food energy availability, with a shift from carbohydrate-rich staples to vegetable oils, animal products, and sugar. Cereals remain the most important food source, but their share in calories is expected to decline. Meat consumption has increased, particularly in developing countries, while poultry consumption is expected to rise. Egg, milk, and dairy product consumption has varied, with milk consumption declining in some countries. Fish consumption has increased, but fish stocks are being depleted due to over-fishing. Vegetable and fruit consumption remains low in many regions, despite increased production. Energy providers like vegetable oils, animal fats, and sugar have seen significant increases, particularly in developing countries. The review also discusses trends in organic foods, functional foods, and genetically modified foods. Organic food production is growing, but its ability to meet global food demand is questioned. Functional foods are increasing in consumption, but consumer trust is important for their success. Genetically modified foods offer potential benefits but raise concerns about safety and environmental impact. The nutrition transition is a key driver of dietary changes, leading to increased consumption of unhealthy foods and a rise in non-communicable diseases. Income, urbanization, and trade liberalization are major drivers of food consumption, with income growth leading to higher fat diets and urbanization increasing the availability of unhealthy foods. Trade liberalization has facilitated the availability and consumption of processed foods, contributing to the nutrition transition. Transnational food corporations play a significant role in shaping food consumption patterns in developing countries. Overall, the review emphasizes the need for policies that address the complex interplay of factors influencing food consumption and its health impacts.