The approaches to regulating food demand formulated in the article are based on the basic methodological principles of consumption theory in their dynamics, modern theories of demand, taking into account the relationship between economic development and the level of socio-economic inequality, and awareness of the need to enhance the role of inclusive factors to ensure the sustainability of the economic system. The article traces the evolution of theories of demand and consumption within the framework of economic theory, shows the most important aspects of modern theories of demand, reflecting the process of forming quantitative and qualitative characteristics of demand, taking into account the realities of the external environment and the vector of changes in internal risks. The change in the influence of income level on the amount of demand within relatively stable and crisis periods is noted. The author considers such features of demand formation in modern conditions as deepening its differentiation depending on the amount of available resources of various income groups of the population, the presence of the effect of confusion and demonstrative consumption. The expansion of the list of factors determining demand as income grows is shown, in particular, the strengthening of the influence of institutional dominants aimed at reducing transaction costs, saving time when purchasing food products. The main trends in the sphere of food consumption and its organization are traced, such as the increase in interest in ready-made food, changes in the demand for various trade formats. Economic accessibility of food for all income groups of the population is considered not only as one of the key indicators of food security, but also a factor in the sustainable socio-economic development of the agro-food complex.