To investigate food consumption behaviour and self-perceived nutrition knowledge among university students, and to draw implications for nutrition education in contexts where formal nutrition education before university is limited.

A mixed-methods approach was adopted. A survey was first conducted to examine participants’ food consumption behaviour and self-perceived nutrition knowledge. Thirty-four participants were then invited to take part in semi-structured interviews to gain more in-depth insights into their self-declared knowledge and related behaviours.

Universities in China, representing a context of limited formal nutrition education in pre-university schooling.

190 university students.

Interview transcripts were reviewed to verify participants’ self-declared nutrition knowledge and identify misconceptions or gaps in understanding. Questionnaire data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Students with higher education levels reported paying more attention to nutrition labels and selecting healthier snacks. However, interviews revealed that students who claimed to read nutritional claims during food purchases often misunderstood the meaning of sugar and fat content information. A significant ‘illusion of knowing’ was observed, and participants generally lacked awareness of authoritative food standards.

Illusion of knowing is common among students who have not received formal systematic nutrition education. Nutrition education programmes should prioritise raising students’ understanding of basic food concepts and improving their ability to interpret nutrition information accurately, as part of broader health promotion efforts.