This article examines the formation of children's food culture in the context of the digitalization of all spheres of life. The relevance of the study is driven by the contradiction between the widespread integration of digital technologies into educational processes and the lack of a systematic approach to their use for fostering healthy eating habits. The aim of this work is to provide a theoretical justification and empirical study of the influence of digital tools (mobile applications, educational platforms, digital marketing) on the eating behavior of preschool and primary school children. The methodological framework comprises a systemic approach, Bandura's social cognitive theory, and generational theory. The research employed methods such as parent questionnaires (n=450), pedagogical observation, and content analysis of digital content. The results indicate that the digital environment acts as a dual factor: on one hand, it facilitates the dissemination of unhealthy eating information through targeted advertising; on the other, it offers effective tools for developing nutritional competencies through gamification and interactive learning. Based on the obtained data, a structural-functional model for forming children's food culture in the digital environment was developed, encompassing cognitive, emotional-volitional, and behavioral components. The practical significance of this work lies in the creation of methodological recommendations for educators and parents on the safe and productive use of digital technologies to cultivate a healthy lifestyle in children.

food culture, digital technologies, eating behavior, children, gamification, digital marketing, nutriology, educational applications.

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