May 2024

Abstract:

In order to fully understand the nutritional heterogeneity of plant-based meat analogues and real meat, this review summarized their similarities and differences in terms of ingredients, nutrient contents, bioavailability and health impacts. Plant-based meat analogues have some similarities to real meat. However, plant-based meat analogues are lower in protein, cholesterol and VB12 but higher in dietary fiber, carbohydrates, sugar, salt and various food additives than real meat. Moreover, some nutrients in plant-based meat analogues, such as protein and iron, are less bioavailable. There is insufficient evidence that plant-based meat analogues are healthier, which may be related to the specific attributes of these products such as formulation and degree of processing. As things stand, it is necessary to provide comprehensive nutrition information on plant-based meat products so that consumers can make informed choices based on their nutritional needs.

Xie, Y., Cai, L., Zhou, G., & Li, C. (2024). Comparison of nutritional profile between plant-based meat analogues and real meat: A review focusing on ingredients, nutrient contents, bioavailability, and health impacts. Food Research International (Ottawa, Ont.), 187, 114460. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114460

Abstract:

From beginnings as an esoteric research topic, cultivated meat (produced from cells originating from the meat producing animals) has developed with increasing pace from a research concept and is starting to break into restaurant markets in Singapore, USA, and Israel. However, there remains a significant journey in the global food ecosystem in order for it to reach mainstream retail. This viewpoint piece will probe how combining the best from plant-based meat alternatives and cultivated meat disciplines may end up addressing consumers desires, delivering on sustainability, palatability, nutritional balance and economic viability.

Young, J. F., & Young, N. W. G. (2024). Could cultivated meat’s real route to mainstream markets be as hybrid food ‐ Why this makes sense? International Journal of Food Science & Technology. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.17190 

Abstract:

The major societal challenges of climate change and animal welfare call for novel solutions to produce food. Cultivated meat may represent one of such solutions and research is emerging to understand its implications for food consumption. However, to date research has excluded the sector of foodservice provision as part of the wider tourism and hospitality industry from analysis. The current conceptual paper addresses this critical gap in knowledge by introducing cultivated meat to the context of food consumption outside the home. The paper elaborates upon the implications of cultivated meat for global foodservice provision and outlines an agenda for future research. This agenda considers the interests of multiple stakeholders, including developers/manufacturers of cultivated meat, foodservice providers, consumers, policymakers, and digital technology providers to highlight research avenues that warrant in-depth empirical investigation.

Bui, H. T., Filimonau, V., & Ermolaev, V. A. (2024). Cultivated meat in tourism and hospitality: Setting the scene and outlining future research agenda. Journal of Foodservice Business Research, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/15378020.2024.2355373

Abstract:

This article is concerned with the dynamics of change in protein consumption practices from the perspective of the consumer. It is based on a model, informed by social representation theory, that aims to understand the role played by various types of representation of alternative proteins in the process of changing food consumption practices. It discusses the reception, by consumers, of the representations associated with alternative proteins on Instagram. Methodologically, three focus groups were organized with different consumer segments (omnivorous, flexitarian and vegetarian and vegan consumers), as well as seven individual interviews. Participants were submitted to the social representations of alternative proteins, and visual stimuli from social media were mobilized for this purpose. Results show that the publications which boast the environmental, animal welfare or health attributes of alternative proteins generally contribute to the cultivation of new elements of practices. While this kind of publications is essential to help consumers question their established practices linked to meat and dairy consumption, they can also generate a critical reception that is not conducive to change, making them a double-edge sword. Publications that relate to the representations involved in daily food consumption proteins (e.g. that alternative proteins are versatile and crowd-pleasing) emerge as being safer in terms of reception, although as standalone they may not be able to achieve a deep level of change in food consumption practices. The results of this study show the importance of deploying a diverse communication strategy about alternative proteins that appeal to a variety of consumer segments.

Laviolette, C., & Godin, L. (2024). Cultivating change in food consumption practices: The reception of the social representation of alternative proteins by consumers. Appetite, 107391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107391 

Abstract:

The rise in the global population has increased the demand for dietary food protein. Strategies to maximize agricultural and livestock outputs could strain land and freshwater supply and contribute to substantial negative environmental impacts. Consequently, there has been an emphasis on identifying alternative sources of edible proteins that are more sustainable, sustainable, ethical, and healthy. This review provides a critical report on future food protein sources including: plant, cultured meat, insect, and microbial, as alternative sources to traditional animal-based sources. The technical challenges associated with the production process of alternative protein sources are discussed. The most important quality parameters of alternative proteins, such as: protein composition and digestibility, allergenicity, functional and sensory attributes, and safety regulations have been documented. Lastly, future direction and conclusion have been made on future protein trends. However, further regulatory norms need to develop for safe consumption and distribution around the world.

Khanashyam, A. C., Mundanat, A. S., Sajith Babu, K., Thorakkattu, P., Krishnan, R., Abdullah, S., Bekhit, A. E. A., McClements, D. J., Santivarangkna, C., & Nirmal, N. P. (2024). Emerging alternative food protein sources: production process, quality parameters, and safety point of view. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/07388551.2024.2341902

Abstract:

Background

Recombinant milk protein production is emerging as a pivotal innovation in the dairy industry, driven by the need for sustainable and ethically produced dairy alternatives. Traditional dairy production faces challenges such as greenhouse gas emissions, ethical concerns about animal welfare, and fluctuating productivity due to environmental factors. Recombinant technology offers a promising avenue, using genetically modified organisms to produce milk proteins that closely mimic their natural counterparts.

Scope and approach

This work encompasses a comprehensive review of articles and patents aimed at understanding the current state and advancements in the production of recombinant milk proteins. It addresses technical aspects such as raw milk composition, protein expression in various hosts, the importance of posttranslational modifications, and the challenges of scaling up for commercial production. The study also explores the implications and possibilities of these advancements for the food industry.

Key findings and conclusions

Recombinant milk protein production holds significant promise in revolutionizing the dairy industry. Key findings from this review include the identification of efficient host organisms and vectors, advancements in genetic engineering and bioprocessing, and innovative strategies for large-scale production. The future of this technology is promising, especially in creating sustainable, efficient production methods. However, challenges remain in achieving cost-effectiveness, scalability, and a nutritional profile comparable to traditional milk. Continuous research and development are essential for optimizing the technology and enhancing its commercial viability to meet the increasing demand for sustainable dairy alternatives.

Piazenski, I. N., Candelário, J. P. M., Soccol, V. T., Vandenberghe, L. P. de S., Pereira, G. V. de M., & Soccol, C. R. (2024). From lab to table: The path of recombinant milk proteins in transforming dairy production. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 149, 104562. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2024.104562

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of sociodemographic characteristics on willingness to try (WTT), regularly eat (WTE), or pay (WTP) for artificial meat, its expected societal challenges and general acceptance as well as its future potential development in Germany. Answers to an online questionnaire by 3,558 potential German adult consumers were evaluated. About 63% of the respondents thought this novel food was promising/acceptable. The vast majority (70%) stated that they would be willing to try it, with the most important drivers being ethics, curiosity and eco-friendliness. Around 57% of the participants said they would be willing to eat artificial meat regularly. Most of the respondents (40%) were willing to pay the same price for artificial as for conventional meat.In terms of its future potential, almost 75% of respondents believed that this new product would become commercialized in more than five years and that it was perceived as a solution that is both more ethical (67%) and more environmentally friendly (58%) than traditional meat. In addition, there were significant impacts of demographic factors on the willingness to engage with artificial meat. For example, high WTT and WTE were found among young male respondents (18-30 years of age), males that rarely consumed meat or had a low income (< €1,500). This also applied to the female respondents, who, however, belonged to higher income classes. Young German consumers with a high level of education or income up to €3,000 as well as consumers who did not eat meat had a high WTP for this novel food. In addition, respondents' positive opinion and acceptance of artificial meat had a positive influence on WTT and WTP. These results are important for the discussion of a paradigm shift in global meat production with respect to sustainability, demand for meat and the adoption of new food products.

Jacobs, A.-K., Windhorst, H.-W., Gickel, J., Chriki, S., Hocquette, J.-F., & Ellies-Oury, M.-P. (2024). German consumers’ attitudes towards artificial meat. Frontiers in Nutrition. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1401715/abstract 

Abstract:

The research addresses the growing demand and challenges linked to sustainable meat production in the current context of population growth and concerns for animal welfare. It highlights the nutritional relevance of meat and the pressure on natural resources derived from conventional animal husbandry. Laboratory-grown meat is introduced as an alternative, exploring its production through tissue engineering and cell culture techniques, highlighting its potential to reduce dependence on mass livestock farming and its environmental benefits. The methodology, qualitative and based on systematic reviews, focuses on advances, challenges and future perspectives. Large-scale production is detailed, addressing aspects such as cell culture, identification of suitable cells, culture media formulation, and energy efficiency. The research highlights the importance of lab-grown meat as a promising option to address challenges in the meat industry. This type of meat, whose cellular scaffold is commonly based on porous hydrogels and non-animal materials, uses bioreactors of up to 50,000 liters to ensure optimal conditions. The nutritional and sensory aspects demand the incorporation of essential nutrients and strategies to improve color and flavor, facing challenges in the imitation of processed meat products. Ethics, costs, legal and religious considerations, as well as production limitations, constitute barriers. Despite the challenges, cultured meat offers a sustainable solution for food security and reduced environmental impact. 

Jácome-Pilco, C., Eliceo-Manobanda, A., & Elehan-Vistin, P. (2024). In vitro meat production: Advances, challenges and future perspectives. African Journal of Biological Sciences. https://www.afjbs.com/uploads/paper/66b63754f177d9ea3f1baa3247f111a9.pdf 

Abstract:

In the contemporary landscape, conventional meat faces increasing scrutiny due to recent allegations raised by various associations and scientific groups. While these criticisms are often linked to excessive meat consumption, a growing number of individuals are reducing or eliminating meat from their diets, questioning its role in a healthy diet. The consequent request for alternative protein sources has prompted the food industry to create so-called “meat alternatives” products. These emerging foods aim to replicate the sensory characteristics of conventional meat, eliminating the need to slaughter animals, and minimize environmental impact. Despite the misleading claims of various supporters, the long-term nutritional sustainability of these novel products remains unclear. To date, products resembling meat, which exploit different sources such as plants, algae, fungi, insects, and in vitro–cultured animal cells (cell-based food) require an unavoidable level of industrial processing, rendering the final products as ultra-processed foods (UPF). Given the well-established adverse effects associated with prolonged consumption of UPF, it raises questions about whether these products truly serve as a viable substitute for whole and unprocessed foods, like meat. With limited scientific knowledge and technological innovation to date, the long-term effects of meat alternatives on human health remain unclear. Addressing this crucial gap, together with guaranteeing transparency of research, should be a top priority for the food industry, guiding decisions on whether investment in these emerging food products is not only a cost-effective but also a health-conscious strategy.

Pontalti, E., Cullere, M., & Dalle Zotte, A. (2024). Meat alternatives and their impact on human health: A comprehensive review. Meat and Muscle Biology, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.22175/mmb.17711

Abstract:

Shifting from meat consumption is critical for future dietary evolution. Mainstream newspapers and social media are the leading platforms for expressing this opinion. By analysing the media discourse, the proponents of the shift from meat, to plant-based meat and cultured meat were identified. The objectives were: a) to identify themes, word frequencies, and sentiment related to meat substitutes, b) to determine Chinese perceptions of the two meat substitutes, and c) to determine which food functions are of concern to Chinese consumers. Between July 2016 and July 2022, the researcher gathered data from People’s Daily and China Daily online outlets and user comments. 574 news articles and 2,345 online comments were extracted. Three techniques were applied: sentiment analysis, thematic analysis, and word cloud analysis. The results revealed that newspapers reported positively on meat substitutes, yet user comments showed negative public perception. Chinese people held positive attitudes toward plant-based meat and negative attitudes toward cultured meat. Thus, the insights from the media discourse provided valuable indicators for stakeholders to develop sustainable food education and consumption strategies.

Guo, W. (2024). Meat substitutes in media discourse. International Journal of Financial Studies, 13(1), 22–35. https://doi.org/10.7455/ijfs/13.1.2024.a2 

Abstract:

Cultured meat is a promising substitute for regular meat, but its introduction faces challenges and expected consumer resistance. While some studies investigate how communication strategies and advertising appeals can address these concerns, the role of social media influencers in promoting cultured meat adoption remains yet to be explored. Across two online experimental studies involving 752 participants recruited from Prolific, this research investigates how influencer type (micro- vs. mega-influencer) affects consumers' willingness to buy cultured meat. Study 1 reveals that consumers are more willing to buy cultured meat when it is endorsed by micro- rather than mega-influencers. Further, perceived endorsement authenticity mediates this effect such that micro-influencers endorsements are perceived as more authentic than those of mega-influencers. Study 2 demonstrates that these effects are moderated by influencer expertise and type of meat, where micro-influencers with health (but not fashion) expertise have a more pronounced impact on increasing willingness to purchase cultured meat (but not regular meat). This research provides theoretical insights into how consumers perceive influencer endorsements for cultured meat. These findings aim to enhance consumer acceptance of cultured meat while offering actionable guidance for practitioners on promoting cultured meat brands on social media.

Leite, F. P., Septianto, F., & Pontes, N. (2024). “Meat” the influencers: Crafting authentic endorsements that drive willingness to buy cultured meat. Appetite, 107401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107401 

Abstract:

Background

Developing cultured meat from animal cells 20 years ago might have been questionable. However, the cultivation of meat without the need for animal slaughter is already a reality, and public pressure to commercialize these products has gained increasing strength in recent years. Conventional meat production and export sectors play a fundamental role in the economy of countries with an agricultural tradition. However, the meat industry's negative environmental and social impacts, such as deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and animal welfare concerns, have grown as demand for meat has increased.

Scope and approach

This review discusses perspectives on the global introduction of cultured meat and how it could impact economic dynamism in countries dependent on conventional livestock farming. Several countries with a livestock tradition and meat-importing countries have invested heavily in developing cultured meat and have pressed for changes in public policies and regulations to make the commercialization of these products viable.

Key findings and conclusion

This review provided insight into the legislative challenges cultured meat may face in traditional meat-producing and exporting countries. The vision and behavior of leading meat production and export countries differ entirely. There is strong interest in the technological advancement of cultured meat in some countries, while in others, powerful interest groups have been pessimistic about cultured meat entering the market. Furthermore, this review highlights that introducing new technology has significant potential to reconfigure the social landscape and cause environmental, economic, and political impacts on society.

da Silva, B. D., & Conte-Junior, C. A. (2024). Perspectives on cultured meat in countries with economies dependent on animal production: A review of potential challenges and opportunities. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 149, 104551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2024.104551

Abstract:

Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) are increasingly popular and may contribute towards reduction of negative environmental impacts associated with the meat industry. Inferior sensory characteristics of PBMAs, compared to conventional meat products, remain a barrier for uptake of these products. This study aimed to profile a wide range of PBMAs for perceived similarity to meat, consumer liking, emotional response and sensory experience, and to determine consumer drivers of liking for this product category. Twenty-one PBMAs, spanning a broad range of product types (burger patties, sausages, meatball alternatives, chicken/beef pieces, bacon alternative, turkey roast alternative) and main protein ingredients (extruded plant proteins, tofu, or legumes/vegetables) representative of PBMAs available to Aotearoa New Zealand consumers, were tasted and evaluated by 140 Aotearoa New Zealand residents. Samples ranged widely in their perceived similarity to meat (median value range: 1.0–4.0 on a 5-point-scale) and overall liking ratings (mean ± SD, range: 35.1 ± 1.2––77.7 ± 17.4 on a 100-point hedonic scale). Overall liking ratings were driven mostly by liking for flavour, followed by texture, and less so by appearance. Sensorially, sample differentiation was mostly associated with variation in meat-related flavours and textures, or vegetable-related attributes. Notably meat flavour was the main driver of liking, and a very strong relationship (r = 0.92) was observed between perceived similarity to meat and overall sample liking ratings. Meat-like samples were also associated with positive emotional terms, whereas samples made from wholefoods were associated with negative emotional terms. Textural terms (‘gluey/slimy’, ‘pasty/doughy’) associated with wholefood products were also negative drivers for liking, and should be avoided in future PBMA products. In conclusion, the general population maintains a strong preference for PBMAs that are similar to meat, validating ongoing efforts to improve the meat-like properties of new and emerging products. PBMAs made from wholefoods require extensive product development to achieve consumer satisfaction across the category.

Giezenaar, C., Orr, R. E., Godfrey, A. J. R., Maggs, R., Foster, M., & Hort, J. (2024). Profiling the novel plant-based meat alternative category: Consumer affective and sensory response in the context of perceived similarity to meat. Food Research International (Ottawa, Ont.), 188, 114465. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114465

Abstract:

This study investigates the structure of factors that influence consumer intentions to both try and to consume cultured proteins, and their intentions to substitute vegan, vegetarian and omnivore diets with these alternative protein sources. Comprehensive survey data (N = 3862) was collected from three Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, and Norway) and analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Theoretically, this article draws from behavioural models of environmental psychology, identity theory, and attitude theory. Results indicate that beliefs about the necessity of an industry producing cultured proteins and impacts of cultured proteins on the global economy are significant predictors of consumer intentions. Moreover, participants who exhibited high levels of general and food innovativeness were more likely to express positive intentions to consume cultured proteins. Social norms influenced consumer intentions: Individuals surrounded by positive attitudes and intentions toward cultured proteins within their social networks were more inclined to want to consume these products. The predictor variables in the final model accounted for between 39% and 66% of the variance in the different cultured proteins related intentions. Understanding consumer intentions better can inform targeted communication strategies aimed at promoting the advantages of cultured proteins and facilitating its adoption. 

Engel, L., Vilhelmsen, K., Richter, I., Moritz, J., Ryynänen, T., Young, J. F., Burton, R. J. F., Kidmose, U., & Klöckner, C. A. (2024). Psychological factors influencing consumer intentions to consume cultured meat, fish and dairy. Appetite, 200, 107501. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107501 

Abstract:

The emergence of cultivated meat provides a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional animal agriculture, highlighting its increasing importance in the food industry. Biomaterial scaffolds are critical components in cultivated meat production for enabling cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and orientation. While there's extensive research on scaffolding biomaterials, applying them to cultivated meat production poses distinct challenges, with each material offering its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This review summarizes the most recent scaffolding biomaterials used in the last five years for cell-cultured meat, detailing their respective advantages and disadvantages. We suggest future research directions and provide recommendations for scaffolds that support scalable, cost-effective, and safe high-quality meat production. Additionally, we highlight commercial challenges cultivated meat faces, encompassing bioreactor design, cell culture mediums, and regulatory and food safety issues. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive guide and valuable insights for researchers and companies in the field of cultivated meat production.

Fasciano, S., Wheba, A., Ddamulira, C., & Wang, S. (2024). Recent advances in scaffolding biomaterials for cultivated meat. Biomaterials Advances, 162, 213897. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213897

Abstract:

The promotion of meat substitutes to reduce meat intake is a promising way to reduce the environmental and public health externalities of meat consumption while preserving the important role of taste and texture in meat products. However, the market for meat substitutes is developing more slowly than expected. Therefore, we analyze the factors associated with the heterogeneity in meat substitute consumption in Germany, a country where meat traditionally plays an important role. We use revealed preference data on meat substitute sales from 1025 individual retailers, sociodemographic data, and election results from 92 regions in Germany over the period 2017–2021, to analyze whether differences in meat substitute consumption are associated with consumers' political orientation (liberal/left or conservative/right) and socio-demographic variables. We also investigate whether election results for parties with stronger climate protection goals are associated with meat substitute consumption. Our results show that meat substitute consumption varies significantly across Germany and that this is related to differences in socio-demographic characteristics and voting behavior across regions. Voting for the Green Party and parties with strong climate protection ambitions is positively related to the market share of meat substitutes. In contrast, voting for Germany's most conservative party, which has the lowest ambitions in terms of climate protection targets, is associated with lower meat substitute consumption. Therefore, manufacturers could develop tailored marketing strategies that specifically target these voter groups in order to increase the market share of meat substitutes as alternatives to meat products.

Petersen, T., Denker, T., Koppenberg, M., & Hirsch, S. (2024). Revealed preferences on meat substitute consumption and political attitudes: Testing the left-right and environmental concerns framework. Appetite, 107371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107371 

Abstract:

The plant-based meat alternative market is experiencing rapid growth. However, whether this growth extends to mainstream consumers will depend on the sensory profile, emotional profile, and situational appropriateness of these products. This study provides a sensory comparison between two plant-based burgers, one hybrid burger, and a conventional 100% ground beef burger. The sensory evaluation was carried out under blind and informed conditions using a between-subject design. Participants (n = 177) were asked to rate the appearance, flavor, odor, and texture of each product and indicate their overall liking. In addition, 26 sensory terms were evaluated using the rate-all-that-apply technique. The study also measured the emotional profile and the situational appropriateness elicited by each product using the check-all-that-apply technique. The results showed that (a) in the blind condition, there were no significant differences observed in overall liking across the four burgers; (b) the plant-based burger made with pea protein received the lowest overall liking score, and its evaluation was not positively influenced by product information disclosure; (c) providing product information influenced the perceived intensity of the attributes associated with meat; (d) discriminatory ability for emotions was higher in the informed condition; and (e) for the situational appropriateness, when prioritizing healthy eating, participants considered plant-based burgers more suitable than the groundbeef burger.

Sogari, G., Grasso, S., Caputo, V., Gómez, M. I., Mora, C., & Schouteten, J. J. (2024). Sensory, emotional, and appropriateness of plant- and meat-based burgers. Journal of Food Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.17033

Abstract:

A new protocol can customize the flavor of lab-grown meat by controlling the level of fat deposited between muscle cells.

Jin, G., & Bao, X. (2024). Tailoring the taste of cultured meat. ELife, 13. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.98918 

Abstract:

This study aimed to examine underlying beliefs regarding plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) among the silent generation and factors influencing their intention to choose a dish featuring PBMA at a restaurant using an extended theory of planned behavior with self-identity. A total of 51 silent generation individuals were recruited by Qualtrics panel, and content analysis and partial least squares structural equation modeling were conducted. Findings from this study could be utilized for enhancing marketing strategies, especially, for the silent generation who are more interested in healthy foods than other generations specifically when eating out, to promote PBMA consumption.

Jung, S. E., Shin, Y. H., Wilson, S., Im, J., Kim, H., & Lawrence, J. (2024). The silent generation’s underlying beliefs regarding plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) and factors influencing their intention to choose a dish featuring PBMA at a restaurant. Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/19320248.2024.2350536 

Abstract:

Meta-analyses are widely used in various academic fields, including applied economics. However, the high labor intensity involved in paper searching and small sample sizes remain two dominant limiting factors. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies on consumer preferences for plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives using machine-learning techniques at both the data collection and the data analysis phases. We demonstrated that machine learning reduces the workload in the manual title-abstract screen phase by 69% accounting for 24% of total workload in data collection. We also found that machine learning improves out-of-sample of sample prediction accuracy by 48–78 percentage points when compared to econometric model. Notably, we showed that integrating machine learning can also improve the predictive performance of econometric methods, thereby improving their out-of-sample predictions. Our empirical findings further revealed that demand for meat alternatives is higher among younger consumers, especially when the products displayed benefit information.

Sun, J., Caputo, V., & Taylor, H. (2024). Using machine‐learning methods in meta‐analyses: An empirical application on consumer acceptance of meat alternatives. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy. https://doi.org/10.1002/aepp.13446 

Abstract:

The rise of industrially-farmed chicken is a valuable example of recent historical food system change. As we seek to change the protein we consume once again, a historical outlook provides an important perspective on how this change can be made.

Nicholles, B. (2024). What can the history of meat production teach us about the future of protein? Bryant Research. https://bryantresearch.co.uk/insight-items/future-of-protein/

Abstract:

n/a

Commons, A. (2024). Where’s the beef? The Fifth Circuit’s attempt to clarify plant-based food labeling laws in Turtle Island Foods S.P.C. v. Strain. 35 V Ill . E Nvtl . L.J. 309. https://digitalcommons.law.villanova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1515&context=elj 

Abstract:

Meat alternatives have the potential to shift people’s diets into a more sustainable direction. To improve consumers’ attitudes to meat alternatives and increase the likelihood of their consumption, it is important to identify the most promising protein sources from a consumer perspective. This study investigated expectations toward 17 specific protein sources applied in meat alternatives and four conventional animal-based protein sources across six rating dimensions in an online survey with 916 participants from the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Additionally, several relevant consumer characteristics, namely food neophobia, health consciousness, preference for naturalness, environmental identity, and consumers’ attitudes to meat and meat alternatives, were assessed. Meat alternatives containing potato, lentil, chickpea, and pea achieved the highest acceptance scores. Other protein sources, such as algae, insects, and different types of cultured meat, did not achieve high acceptance. Multiple regressions were used to investigate further the influence of consumer characteristics. For different types of protein sources, different consumer characteristics were identified as barriers, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing groups of consumers and types of protein sources. The study also showed that people’s commitment to meat has no influence on their acceptance of alternative proteins; rather, negative attitudes to meat alternatives are the problem. Future efforts should therefore focus on optimizing the properties of meat alternatives, instead of demonizing the consumption of meat. One way to optimize the acceptance of meat alternatives is to use ingredients that consumers already have positive expectations toward, such as potato, lentil, chickpea, and pea.

Etter, B., Michel, F., & Siegrist, M. (2024). Which are the most promising protein sources for meat alternatives? Food Quality and Preference, 119, 105226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2024.105226

Abstract:

Although encouraging the shift toward sustainable diets in young adults is a major challenge to preserve population and planet health, the precursors of sustainable diets in this population remain unknown. This study aimed to identify the behavioural determinants of healthier and more environmentally friendly diets among university students. A sample of 582 French university students reported their food consumption using an online 125-item food frequency questionnaire. The nutritional quality (adherence to French recommendations, sPNNS-GS2) and the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) of students' diets were calculated for an isocaloric diet. Behavioural determinants were measured based on a literature review and classified into the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) framework. Linear models, adjusted for socioeconomic characteristics, were run to identify the most prominent behavioural predictors of nutritional quality and GHGE of students’ diets. Higher cooking skills (β = 0.38, p = 0.01) and health motives (β = 0.91, p < 0.001) were associated with higher nutritional quality. Greater environmental knowledge was linked to lower GHGE (β = −0.07, p = 0.002), while health and weight control motives were associated with higher GHGE (β = 0.26, p = 0.02 and β = 0.39, p < 0.001). Enhancing cooking skills and environmental knowledge could enable healthy and environmentally friendly diets, but health-based motives can act as a lever and as a barrier.

Arrazat, L., Nicklaus, S., de Lauzon-Guillain, B., & Marty, L. (2024). Behavioural determinants of healthy and environmentally friendly diets in French university students. Appetite, 200, 107532. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107532 

Abstract:

The domain of meat consumption has become a blossoming area for advancing our knowledge of how people experience and resolve cognitive conflicts. Within the field, however, the conceptual similarities and differences between ambivalence and dissonance have been underspecified. This has led to seemingly inconsistent conclusions about the experiences and downstream consequences of cognitive conflict. We therefore examine the tacit assumptions in the field and integrate the two kinds of literature on meat-related cognitive conflicts. In a comparative review, we specifically delineate (a) which groups of people are affected by which of the two meat-related conflicts, (b) what constitutes these conflicts, (c) when these conflicts are experienced, and (d) what downstream consequences result from these conflicts. We conclude that meat-related ambivalence is experienced when inconsistent attitudes become accessible and that meat-related dissonance is experienced when inconsistencies between attitudes and commitments become accessible. Our integrative perspective challenges established assertions regarding meat-related conflict and offers various theoretical and practical implications. One such implication concerns, for example, how cognitive conflict is associated with behavior change and maintenance depending on people’s commitment to eating meat. We hope that this will help researchers and practitioners to apply the insights from this flourishing field of research.

Buttlar, B., & Pauer, S. (2024). Disentangling the meat paradox: A comparative review of meat-related ambivalence and dissonance. OSF Preprints. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/6kse4 

Abstract:

In a laboratory experiment, we test if eating meat triggers avoidance of information concerning animal welfare, the environment, or health. We elicit, in an incentive-compatible way, participants’ willingness to pay (WTP) for information regarding the consequences of meat consumption and their knowledge about them. Subjects in the treatment group are served meat before this elicitation, which arguably increases the salience of being a meat eater. Aligned with pre-registered hypotheses based on the literature on motivated beliefs and information avoidance, we observe that meat consumption increases avoidance of certain information. Specifically, eating beef raises the likelihood of avoiding information concerning the environmental impact of beef production by approximately 18 percentage points. Similarly, consuming pork increases the likelihood of avoiding information concerning health and pork by about 15 percentage points. Moreover, meat consumption raises the probability of claiming ignorance in an incentivized quiz about meat. This causal evidence shows that frequently found correlations between individuals’ meat-related information and their meat consumption also operate in the non-trivial direction: consumption restricts information. Consequently, information campaigns aiming to reduce meat consumption may face limited effectiveness.

Buechel, B., Droz, B., & Nassar, A. (2024). Meat consumption can trigger information avoidance. Preprint. https://www.unifr.ch/amabe/fr/assets/public/documents/Working%20Papers/Buechel_Droz_Nassar-Meat_2024-05-02.pdf 

Abstract:

In a laboratory experiment, we test if eating meat triggers avoidance of information concerning animal welfare, the environment, or health. We elicit, in an incentive-compatible way, participants’ willingness to pay (WTP) for information regarding the consequences of meat consumption and their knowledge about them. Subjects in the treatment group are served meat before this elicitation, which arguably increases the salience of being a meat eater. Aligned with pre-registered hypotheses based on the literature on motivated beliefs and information avoidance, we observe that meat consumption increases avoidance of certain information. Specifically, eating beef raises the likelihood of avoiding information concerning the environmental impact of beef production by approximately 18 percentage points. Similarly, consuming pork increases the likelihood of avoiding information concerning health and pork by about 15 percentage points. Moreover, meat consumption raises the probability of claiming ignorance in an incentivized quiz about meat. This causal evidence shows that frequently found correlations between individuals’ meat-related information and their meat consumption also operate in the non-trivial direction: consumption restricts information. Consequently, information campaigns aiming to reduce meat consumption may face limited effectiveness.

Buechel, B., Droz, B., & Nassar, A. (2024). Meat consumption can trigger information avoidance. Preprint. https://www.unifr.ch/amabe/fr/assets/public/documents/Working%20Papers/Buechel_Droz_Nassar-Meat_2024-05-02.pdf 

Abstract:

In 2021, 32% of adult meat consumers in Scotland exceeded the 70 g/d recommended limit of red and red processed meat (RPM) intake. We analyzed RPM consumption behaviors among adults in the Scottish Health Survey (2021) to better understand this consumer group. Consumers were categorized into low, medium, and high consumers, and overall, mean intake was 66 g/d. Males and individuals living in the most deprived areas were most likely to be high consumers (45% compared with 30% for males compared with females, respectively, and 44% compared with 32% for those in the most compared with least deprived areas, respectively). Dinners accounted for the majority of intake among high (55%) and medium (52%) consumers, whereas low consumers distributed intake between lunch (40%) and dinner (48%). Across all groups, consumption was highest on Sundays, and majority of RPM was purchased at supermarkets. Beef dishes and sandwiches were primary contributors among high and medium consumers. These insights can inform the design of effective strategies and policies aligned with meat reduction targets. For instance, strategies focusing on modifying traditional meat-centric dishes and sandwiches could be impactful.

Stewart, C., Runions, R., McNeill, G., Comrie, F., McDonald, A., & Jaacks, L. M. (2024). Red and red processed meat consumption behaviors in Scottish adults. Current Developments in Nutrition, 103777. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.103777 

Abstract:

Plant-based eating is beneficial for human and planetary health. It is important to identify factors which may encourage people to reduce meat, and increase plant-based meal intake. Perceived social norms are associated with meat and plant-based meal intake in adults, however, less is known about the relationship between perceived social norms and young adults' own self-reported meat and plant-based eating in general, and in different social contexts. Across two online studies we examined this. In Study 1 (n = 217 young adults, aged 18–25 years, mean age = 19.50 years, SD = 1.37 years, mean BMI = 24.21, SD = 5.45, 91% cisfemale, 92.0% omnivores), perceived descriptive (the perceived behaviour of others) and injunctive (the perceived approval of others) norms were measured in general. In study 2 (n = 151 young adults aged 18–25 years, mean age = 19.62 years, SD = 1.50 years, mean BMI = 24.32, SD = 4.99, 88.8% cisfemale, 71.1% omnivore), perceived descriptive and injunctive norms were examined in a variety of social contexts. In Study 1, perceived descriptive norms about friends were associated with self-reported meat, and descriptive norms about peers and friends, and injunctive norms about friends were positively associated with self-reported plant-based meal intake. In Study 2, descriptive norms about friends were associated with self-reported meat intake in fast-food restaurants and at friends' houses, and injunctive norms about friends were associated with meat intake in restaurants. There were no other significant associations between either type of social norm and meat or plant-based meal intake. We provide the first evidence that peers and friends may be relevant for plant-based meal intake, and only friends may be relevant for meat intake. Further research is needed to examine people's actual food intake, and in longitudinal studies to rule out reverse causality. 

​Sharps, M. A., Raghoebar, S., & Coulthard, H. (2024). Social norms and young adults’ self-reported meat and plant-based meal intake: Findings from two online cross-sectional studies. Appetite, 199, 107503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107503 

Abstract:

Meat consumption is declining in developed countries but increasing in emerging countries. This study, for the first time, compares the socio-behavioural factors influencing individuals' meat consumption level and meat reduction intention between Vietnam, an emerging economy and Switzerland, a developed country. Online consumer surveys were conducted in late 2022, yielding 552 usable replies from Switzerland and 592 from Vietnam for this study. Drawing upon an extended Protection Motivation Theory and using structural equation modelling, we found similarities as well as differences in the determinants of meat consumption behaviour. Perceived health risks of meat overconsumption, self-efficacy of meat reduction, attitude toward ethical and environmental issues, and pressure from family members' reluctance to change diet drove the intention to reduce meat in both countries. Meat attachment emerges as the most important determinant of meat consumption level in not only Switzerland but also Vietnam and thus presents the largest barrier to meat reduction. The association between response cost of eating less meat and intention to reduce meat was negative in Switzerland but positive in Vietnam. Self-efficacy of meat consumption reduction influenced meat consumption level solely in Switzerland. Ethical and environmental attitudes significantly facilitated meat reduction intention of Swiss respondents only, reflecting cultural differences. Policy implications were discussed.

Ha, T. M., Ngo, M. H., Delley, M., Götze, F., Bui, L. T., Le, N. T., Markoni, E., Nguyen, A. D., Pham, B. D., & Brunner, T. A. (2024). Socio-behavioural factors influencing meat intake and meat reduction intention in Vietnam and Switzerland. Meat Science, 215, 109530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2024.109530

Abstract:

Animal welfare in meat production is concerning for ethical reasons. Research in psychology has shown that contemporaneous consumption of meat causes people to have less moral concern for farmed animals. Following this research, we run a laboratory experiment to test whether near contemporaneous meat consumption can affect behavior directly through information choice about animal welfare, contributions to an animal charity, and a proxy measure for political behavior. We also test for the indirect effects of meat consumption on our charity outcome and political outcome by way of its effect on information preferences. Though we find that meat consumption changes attitudes towards animals, and information changes charitable contributions, we find that meat consumption does not affect our behavior outcomes. The null result casts doubt on the extent to which shifts in beliefs translate to shifts in behavior. An online hypothetical experiment finds that information preferences are consistent with expected-utility theory, and we again find no evidence of motivated thinking on behavior. 

Capra, C. M., Chen, X., Tasoff, J., Xu, J., & Zhang, S. (2024). The effect of contemporaneous meat consumption on attitudes and behaviors towards animal welfare. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4824129

Abstract:

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between food sponsorships and gender stereotypes, focusing on how patriarchal beliefs influence consumers’ purchase intentions in sports.

Design/methodology/approach

The research comprised two studies. In Study 1, n = 161 participants participated via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk platform. Study 2 involved n = 250 participants who completed a cross-sectional and self-administered survey.

Findings

Study 1 indicated an apparent gender-based categorization of certain foods and beverages: beer and red meat were predominantly perceived as masculine, while yogurt, salads, and wine were seen as feminine. Further, brands like Budweiser and Red Bull were mainly seen as masculine, while Chobani and Smoothie King were perceived as feminine. Moreover, findings indicate that foods, especially those rich in protein or linked to BBQ and spicy tastes, are considered more masculine by men than women in sports settings. Further, Study 2 findings unveiled a significant relationship between patriarchal beliefs and both attitudes (ß = 0.327, p < 0.01) and subjective norms (ß = 0.525, p < 0.01) towards masculine brands.

Originality/value

The two studies’ results underscore the profound impact of gender stereotypes shaping sports fans’ perceptions of food items and the brands sponsoring them. This inquiry significantly augments the current understanding of the nuanced interrelation between the paradigms of social role theory and the theory of planned behavior, particularly within the ambit of sports-related sponsorship by food and beverage brands and its consequent influence on consumer purchasing inclinations.

Hussain, U., & Ma, H. (2024). The gendered plate: Gender-specific food perceptions and sport sponsorship. International Journal of System Modeling and Simulation (ISSN Online: 2518-0959). https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSMS-02-2024-0034 

Abstract:

Substantiated incidents of poor welfare affecting cattle, sheep and goats (livestock) in non-dairy extensive farming systems continue to occur. This study sought to describe the common causes of poor welfare of livestock and the associated circumstances, by analysing 39 years of de-identified, livestock welfare investigation records. There were a total of 2179 alleged offenders (AOff), defined as individual/s that had an incident of poor welfare affecting livestock on at least one occasion. Approximately 27% of AOff were found to have poor welfare on more than one occasion. The majority of livestock welfare incidents were associated with neglect, more specifically, inadequate nutrition (56%), treatment (65%) and management/husbandry (83%). Records of malicious acts were rare (1%). In the analysis, cases were allocated to 10 animal welfare severity categories (AWSC) based on the number of incidents and visits, whether the AOff reoffended, or if the incident was ongoing and whether the welfare issue was likely to affect the whole herd. A significantly higher proportion of cases in the most severe AWSC had a failure to shear, mark, dip/drench, draft and wean/cull, were overstocked or were not providing proper and sufficient feed, compared to the least severe AWSC (P ≤ 0.05). Reoffending was significantly more likely when animals were found to be injured/unwell, recumbent, stuck in mud/yard/pen or in poor body condition, or when there was a failure to wean/cull, mark, dip/drench and draft. Some of the issues identified here may be risk factors more commonly identified on farms with poor livestock welfare.

Williams, N., Hemsworth, L., Chaplin, S., Shephard, R., & Fisher, A. (2024). Analysis of substantiated welfare investigations in extensive farming systems in Victoria, Australia. Australian Veterinary Journal. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13342 

Abstract:

Animal welfare is one of the pillars in organic broiler production, evident in practices such as utilizing slower-growing hybrids and maintaining lower stocking densities for the birds. However, despite these efforts, skepticism and uncertainty remain regarding the extent to which animal welfare objectives are achieved in organic farming. The primary aim of this study was to compare animal-based measures assessing positive and negative welfare between organic and conventional broiler chickens in Denmark. The selected positive welfare indicators included Qualitative Behavior Assessment (QBA) and observations of play behavior in an open-space test. An additional aim of this study was to examine the reliability of the method by having all QBA observations done by two observers. Negative welfare indicators included walking ability assessed using the 6-point Bristol gait score method and fearfulness assessed using a novel object test. Welfare assessments were conducted on-farm before slaughter at 31–33 days of age for conventional birds and at 49–55 days of age for organic birds. The results from the QBA indicated differences between organic and conventional production systems (P = 0.001). Specifically, organic broilers exhibited higher levels of active, energetic, positively occupied, happy, and agitated behaviors. Notably, the outcome of the QBA was influenced by the observer (P = 0.001); on average, one observer tended to assign higher scores specifically for depressed and distressed behaviors, while the other observer allocated higher scores to the remaining behavioral terms. Moreover, organic broilers tended to show better walking abilities than conventional broilers (P = 0.064). Fear responses were similar across both production systems. Finally, organic broilers demonstrated a lower frequency of play behavior in open spaces compared to conventional broilers (P = 0.001). Conventional birds may have expressed more play behavior due to the greater contrast between the sudden availability of open space and their typical stocking density, resulting in increased compensatory play. This presents a challenge since a higher frequency of play is often considered an indicator of positive welfare, but we speculate whether in this study, it might suggest a restriction of spontaneous play due to space limitations caused by the high stocking density in the conventional production system. As a result, when additional space becomes available, it could lead to a rebound effect. Future research should explore how stocking density influences play behavior in broiler chickens, including measures of both spontaneous play and stimulated play during controlled test situations.

Rasmussen, S. N., Wurtz, K. E., Erasmus, M., & Ribe, A. B. (2024). Animal-based methods for the assessment of broiler chicken welfare in organic and conventional production systems. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 106300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106300 

Abstract:

This paper presents a novel perspective on an evolving policy area. The UK’s withdrawal from the EU has led to the creation of a new Agriculture Act and proposals for significant changes to the way farming subsidies are structured in England. Underpinned by a ‘public money for public goods’ approach, where public goods are those outputs from the farm system which are not rewarded by markets, yet which provide benefits to many members of society. New schemes include the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, where certain aspects of farm animal health and welfare (FAHW) will be subsidised through government support, raising a much-debated issue in the literature regarding the representation of FAHW as a public good. For policy to be responsive to societal demands and accountable to citizens, understanding public attitudes and preferences towards FAHW as a public good, and how the public might prioritise this in relation to a wider suite of environmental public goods from farming, is important. An online survey of 521 members of the UK public was conducted and analysed with descriptive statistics and ordered logistic regression. Findings reveal low awareness of the changing agricultural policy context, but strong support for public money being used to provide public goods, particularly for FAHW. Findings also indicate a need for more effective public communication of farming and FAHW issues from farming stakeholders to ensure public policy in this domain is responsive and accountable to its citizens. Further work is needed to inform future debates and engagement surrounding FAHW, including through which combination of funding mechanisms (public or private) it is provided. 

Clark, B, Proctor, A., Boaitey, A., Mahon, N., Hanley, N., & Holloway, L. (2024). Animal health and welfare as a public good: What do the public think? Agriculture and Human Values. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10460-024-10585-0 

Abstract:

Animal welfare has become an important element in food marketing, and large food retailers, who have a pivotal role in food supply chains and can thus influence patterns of both food production and consumption, have been increasingly emphasising their animal welfare policies in their retail offers. However, food retailers’ approaches to animal welfare have received relatively little attention in the academic literature, and this chapter looks to further contribute to this work by reviewing and reflecting on how some of the European Union’s leading food retailers have addressed animal welfare. The findings suggest that six themes, namely, strategic corporate commitments, general and specific policies on animals and animal food products, supply chains, labelling, inspections and audits, and cross-industry initiatives collectively captured and illustrated the food retailers’ approach to animal welfare. Further, a number of other issues regarding the food retailers’ approach to animal welfare, including the aspirational nature of their commitments, the efficacy of audits and labelling, the role of animal welfare pressure groups and campaigns, and the impact of COVID-19, are also discussed.

Jones, P. (2024). Animal welfare and major European food retailers. In A. Galati, M. Fiore, A. Thrassou, & D. Vrontis (Eds.), Agribusiness innovation and contextual evolution, volume I: strategic, managerial and marketing advancements (pp. 77–101). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-45738-8_4

Abstract:

In this report, we give an overview of animal production in the United States. We explore which industries are responsible for the largest amount of animal exploitation in the United States. We touch on all major farmed and wild-caught sectors in the country, before taking a deeper look at egg production and chicken meat production.

Looking at how animal production is clustered by state and county, we point out where there are opportunities for animal advocacy organisations to make the biggest impact on the lives of animals. We also provide an overview of the economic forces that determine how animals are farmed and killed, which can help us to understand whether any given campaign will deliver the impact that we intend.

Lastly, we explore the different routes to changes, showing how different political levers can enable animal advocacy organisations to have a disproportionate impact on the lives of animals.

Animal Ask. (2024). Animal welfare in the United States: Opportunities for impact. Animal Ask. https://www.animalask.org/post/animal-welfare-in-the-united-states-opportunities-for-impact 

Abstract:

Research that involves agricultural animal welfare has typically aimed to improve welfare by decreasing disease, distress, and pain. Positive welfare does not necessarily occur with the absence of suffering but in combination with opportunities for behaviors or affective states desired by animals. Our objectives were to describe Canadian bovine veterinarians' and veterinary students' attitudes, professional normative values, and perceived ability to promote positive welfare for dairy cows, and to explore participants' provided rationale. With an online cross-sectional survey, Canadian veterinary practitioners (n = 78) and veterinary students (n = 148) were asked, on a 7-point Likert scale, about their attitudes, perceived professional normative values, and perceived ability of veterinarians to promote positive welfare for dairy cows. We used an applied thematic analysis approach within the qualitative description methodology to analyze participants' open-ended text responses. Quantitatively, participants had very favorable attitudes (mean ± SE; 6.3 ± 0.04) and perceived favorable values (5.7 ± 0.06) in the veterinary community toward positive welfare opportunities for dairy cows. Three themes were identified to explain the professional normative values: influences from within the veterinary profession, influences from outside the veterinary profession, and personal views of participants. Participants were confident that veterinarians could suggest positive welfare opportunities for dairy cows (6.1 ± 0.06) but were uncertain that the decision to suggest these opportunities to producers was within a veterinarian's control (4.3 ± 0.11) and were not confident that implementation of positive welfare opportunities was under a veterinarian's control (2.1 ± 0.07). Three themes were identified to explain the barriers to veterinarians promoting positive welfare opportunities for dairy cows: not practical to implement, resistance to change, and concern for the animal. Participants stated that many positive welfare opportunities were impractical or expensive to implement. We conclude that positive attitudes and positive professional values exist in the veterinary community toward positive welfare for dairy cows but that much uncertainty exists regarding a veterinarian's ability to influence change to current practices.

Brunt, M. W., Haley, D. B., LeBlanc, S. J., & Kelton, D. F. (2024). Attitudes and professional values of veterinarians and veterinary students towards positive welfare states for dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2023-24394 

Abstract:

This study presents an evaluation of on-farm self-assessment using animal-based indicators to support fattening poultry farmers in managing the welfare of their animals. Self-assessment guidelines elaborated by a German expert group were evaluated together with 11 trained broiler and 11 trained turkey farmers. The participating farmers tested a protocol with 18 indicators for broilers and a protocol with 20 indicators for turkeys on their farms for one year. The reliability of individual animal scoring, the practicability of the protocols, their implementation and acceptance were then evaluated. Reliability was tested during two farm visits by the accompanying scientists, using the scientist as a silver standard. On average, the farmers achieved very good reliability (mean PABAK - prevalence-adjusted and bias-adjusted kappa, broilers: 0.90; turkeys: 0.86), with no detectable influence of the previous training method (online versus in-person), the first versus the second visit of the scientists, the fattening stage of the animals scored, number of animals on the farm or the farmers’ professional background. The assessment took longer at the end of the fattening period for both animal species. On farms with more personnel and for farmers with a higher position on farm, the assessment was easier to integrate into their work. Most farmers did not fully document their self-assessment and almost no farmer processed and evaluated the data properly, even though it seemed interesting to them. Overall, there was only moderate acceptance of the welfare self-assessment approach, with mixed responses as to whether it provided early warning information or benefits to animal management. Farmers often pointed to the increased cost associated with carrying out self-assessments in terms of the additional working time required, which is likely to be an important barrier to continuing. Digital applications for data recording, processing and evaluation may help to overcome barriers. Overall, it appears unlikely that the welfare self-assessment approach will be widely implemented in the poultry fattening sector without further incentives.

Michaelis, S., Gieseke, D., & Knierim, U. (2024). Reliability, practicability and farmers’ acceptance of an animal welfare assessment protocol for broiler chickens and turkeys. Poultry Science, 103900. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.103900 

Abstract:

Farm animal health and welfare are important topics amongst global conversations and strategies surrounding food security and sustainability, including the social sustainability of food systems. Animal production systems, especially more intensive systems, are of concern to members of the public in relation to animal health and welfare and the environment. There is a large body of research demonstrating consumer and wider public concern over the welfare of farm animals, with a smaller body of research looking at production diseases in particular. This chapter looks to explore what the public know and think about production diseases. Given the limited research into this topic, the chapter first outlines the broader context of growing consumer concern over food production including animal products, in relation to food safety and farm animal health and welfare, and how concerns are addressed by government and industry. It is within this context that public attitudes towards production diseases are discussed.

Clark, Beth, Boaitey, A., & Hubbard, C. (2024). Societal attitudes towards animal welfare and livestock production diseases. In J. J. Gross (Ed.), Production diseases in farm animals: pathophysiology, prophylaxis and health management (pp. 11–23). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51788-4_2

Abstract:

Successful promotion of cage-free eggs supports a housing system offering potential for improved hen welfare. As the world’s largest egg producer and consumer, China offers much potential for welfare improvements. We examined 10 Chinese companies supplying cage-free eggs (four using indoor systems, six with outdoor access) to understand their strategies to promote cage-free eggs to businesses and consumers. We purposively sampled 12 employees from these companies familiar with production or sales. We conducted two–three semi-structured interviews per participant, collected public online documents (including online shops and social media content), and recorded field notes. We analyzed the data using template analysis to generate key results. Participants reported buyers being unfamiliar with ‘animal welfare’ and ‘cage-free’, but familiar with concepts associated with ‘free-range’. Participants considered three attributes when promoting cage-free eggs: price (engaging buyers who were willing to pay more), experiential attributes (e.g., taste, accommodating buyer preferences), and non-sensory credence attributes (e.g., cage-free production, improving buyers’ understanding and trust). Our results are not generalizable, though they may be transferable to similar contexts. Understanding how companies promoted cage-free eggs to buyers may help inform promotion of other animal products with welfare attributes. Simultaneous efforts are needed to ensure actual welfare improvements on farms.

Chen, M., Lee, H., Liu, Y., & Weary, D. M. (2024). Suppliers’ perspectives on cage-free eggs in China. Animals, 14(11), 1625. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14111625

Abstract:

This Special Issue focuses on current housing and management trends in laying hens and broilers, bringing readers the most up-to-date information from reputable scientists working in these fields. Housing and management practices have a significant influence on the health and wellbeing of poultry, such as hens and broilers. In recent years, many housing trends have changed, for example with the increased use of multi-tier aviaries for hens (and the rearing of pullets), the move away from caged egg production, or the use of windows in broiler housing. Management practices are also changing on a regular basis, with many countries aiming to stop routine beak trimming in laying hens or the increased practice of providing natural light to hens and broilers. Such changes can have an influence on how birds behave, their welfare, and their production. This Special Issue aims to elucidate some of these influencers on our most prolific production animal.

Sandilands, V., & Widowski, T. (Eds.). (2024). The effects of housing and management on the behaviour and welfare of hens and broilers. MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/books978-3-7258-1103-8

Abstract:

Background

Antibiotics have been widely used in feed and drinking water for food animals to prevent them from getting sick. Such preventive use of antibiotics has become a contributor to increasing antibiotic resistance and thus poses threats to human health. However, consumers have little knowledge about this practice and the associated health risks of increasing transmission of antibiotic residues and antibiotic resistant bacteria. This study aimed to examine the effect of information provision on consumers’ risk perceptions, support for a ban, and behavioral intention regarding the preventive use of antibiotics in food animals. Especially, the study sought to test two competing hypotheses which were informed by two theoretical perspectives of fear appeal theory — the linear model and the plateau effect model. The former suggested that providing information on the health risks of both antibiotic residues and antibiotic resistant bacteria would have a stronger effect compared to providing information on only one of them, while the latter posited that providing information on both risks might not have additional influence, as the effect of information on either risk could reach the plateau.

Methods

An experimental study with four conditions was conducted where participants read different information on the health risks associated with the preventive use first and then answered questions regarding consumers’ risk perceptions, support for a ban, and behavioral intention regarding the preventive use. Condition 1 was the control condition, where basic information about antibiotics, antibiotic resistance, and the preventive use was provided. Condition 2 and Condition 3 further added information on the health risk of antibiotic residues (Condition 2) and antibiotic resistant bacteria (Condition 3) due to the preventive use, respectively. Condition 4 provided all information contained in the first three conditions.

Results

The results showed that compared to participants in the control condition, participants in Conditions 2-4 reported higher risk perceptions, stronger support for a ban on the preventive use, and a higher intention to buy meat produced without the preventive use of antibiotics. However, there were no significant differences in these factors between Conditions 2-4, indicating that providing information on the health risk of either antibiotic residues, or antibiotic resistant bacteria, or both, has similar effect on these variables. That is, the hypothesis based on the plateau effect model was supported.

Conclusions

The findings suggested that informing the public with the health risk of either antibiotic residues or antibiotic resistant bacteria associated with the preventive use is effective enough to reach plateau effect in increasing risk perceptions, support for a ban, and behavioral intention, which has important implications for policymakers and livestock industries to develop effective communication strategies to promote responsible antibiotic use in food animals.

Zhou, Y., Zhang, A., van Klinken, R. D., & Wang, J. (2024). The effect of information provision on consumers’ risk perceptions of, support for a ban, and behavioral intention towards the preventive use of antibiotics in food animals. BMC Public Health, 24(1), 1428. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18859-2

Abstract:

This article looks at how to reach out to pig farmers using the new Animal Health and Welfare Pathway. This format gives veterinarians the scope to cover many aspects of pig health and welfare, and specifically to discuss porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) (also known at ‘blue ear’), helping to control a serious disease and foster a more rewarding relationship with our pig clients. The information applies to all pig farms, but it is particularly directed towards vets who are not specialists and who, like this author, see generally smaller pigs holdings as part of their farm or mixed practice. Important points covered include:

• What is the ‘Animal Health and Welfare Pathway’?

• What is PRRS?

• How to practically carry out an Animal Health and Welfare Pathway review

• Helpful areas of discussion within a review meeting

• Likely future changes to the pathway review process.

Siviter, P. (2024). Using the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway to engage with smaller pig producers. Livestock, 29(3), 114–118. https://doi.org/10.12968/live.2024.29.3.114

Abstract:

There is currently insufficient acknowledgment of the relationship between fish welfare and ultimate fillet quality. The purpose of this study was to assess the impacts of pre-slaughter handling and stocking density as fish welfare markers on fillet quality of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Fish from three stocking densities of 35, 50, and 65 kg·m−3 were reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for 12 weeks and received commercial feed. Ultimately, the fish were either stunned with percussion on the head (control group) or subjected to air exposure for 3 min (anoxia group) before stunning and subsequent collection of blood and fillet samples. Western blot analysis revealed the degradation of actin in both groups. Additionally, higher oxidation progress and lower hardness and pH were observed in anoxia compared to the control group. We observed higher hardness at 35 kg·m−3 in anoxia compared to 50 and 65 km−3. The initial hardness values at 35, 50, and 65 km−3 were 1073, 841, and 813 (g) respectively in the anoxia group. Furthermore, the anoxia and control groups had rigor mortis after 6 and 10 h, respectively. Cortisol and glucose levels, and oxidative enzymes activity were higher in anoxia than in the control group. In conclusion, oxidation induced by anoxia likely plays a crucial role as a promoter of the quality deterioration of largemouth bass fillets. 

Hematyar, N., Rahimnejad, S., Gorakh Waghmare, S., Malinovskyi, O., & Policar, T. (2024). Effects of stocking density and pre-slaughter handling on the fillet quality of largemouth bass (micropterus salmoides): Implications for fish welfare. Foods, 13(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13101477

Abstract:

The aquaculture industry frequently employs various slaughter methods that subject fish to inhumane conditions, resulting in significant suffering. This study examined the effects of electrical method on the welfare of farmed fish (Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi) compared to air asphyxiation. Fish captured with electricity exhibited calm behavior until death, in contrast to fish treated with air asphyxiation, which exhibited violent responses within 4 minutes of capture. The electrical method achieved a complete state of unconsciousness 7 minutes faster than air asphyxiation. Our results show that air asphyxiation raised cortisol levels more than the electrical method, with no significant difference in glucose and lactate concentrations. Electrically treated fish had higher superoxide dismutase and liver-reduced glutathione levels, while suffocated fish showed elevated GSH and liver catalase levels. Radiographs revealed no fractures or skeletal changes. Electrical stunning had no effect on gill tissue, but caused brain tissue hemorrhage, whereas air asphyxiation caused less damage. Air asphyxiation caused gill tissue issues but less brain damage. Consciousness loss is crucial for humane practices. Specific electrical currents (110V for 30s) could improve aquaculture and fish welfare.

Mohammadi Dehcheshmeh, A., Khosravizadeh, M., Mousavi, S. M., Babadi, S., & Shiry, N. (2024). Electro-immobilisation and fish welfare: An Investigation into stress, consciousness, and physiological aspects during slaughter. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science : JAAWS, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2024.2348460 

Abstract:

To ensure sustainable and ethically produced seafood throughout the supply chain it is important that fishers use fishing gears with low impact on the ecosystem, fish welfare and quality. Compared to bottom trawling, demersal seine fishing has lower carbon emissions and lesser damage on the seabed and habitat. At the same time, catch efficiency of this gear has made it prevalent in commercial fisheries around the world. However, with high fish density very large hauls have been reported resulting in poor fish welfare and quality, and loss of dead and injured fish should the seine net burst. Catch limiting technology is available but is voluntary to use in Norway. However, the authorities consider making it mandatory—apparently without considering market-based incentives for adoption. This study shows how price-based incentives can be investigated applying econometric models on data including haul sizes for Atlantic cod catches and prices, while accounting for other factors that may influence prices, as well as seller and buyer heterogeneity. The findings show only a weak association between haul sizes and prices, indicating that regulations are required to promote more sustainable and ethical fishing practices through the adoption of catch limiting technology.

Eriksen, K., & Sogn-Grundvag, G. (2024). Regulatory or market-based incentives for sustainable production? The case of Demersal Seine Fishing for Atlantic cod in Norway. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4848376

Abstract:

Animal agriculture contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—an estimated 12%-20% of total anthropogenic emissions. This has led both governmental and private actors to propose various ways to mitigate those climate impacts. This paper applies a One Health lens to the issue, arguing that the choice of solutions should not only consider the potential to reduce GHG emissions—which is not always a given—but also the implications for public health and animal welfare. With this perspective, we examine the potential public health and animal welfare impacts of three types of strategies that are often proposed: (1) “sustainable intensification” methods, aimed at maintaining or increasing production while limiting emissions and avoiding further land conversion; (2) “species shift” approaches, which focus on changing diets to consume meat from animals produced with lower GHG emissions instead of that of animals associated with higher emissions; and (3) “systemic dietary change” approaches that promote shifts towards whole plant-based foods or novel alternatives to conventional animal products. We discuss how some approaches—particularly those associated with sustainable intensification and species shift—could introduce new and significant risks to public health and animal welfare. Promoting systemic dietary change helps to overcome some of these challenges, but requires careful attention to equity to ensure that vulnerable populations still have access to the nutrients they need. We end with recommendations for a more holistic approach to reducing emissions from farmed animals that can help avoid trade-offs and increase synergies with other societal goals.

Verkuijl, C., Smit, J., Green, J. M. H., Nordquist, R. E., Sebo, J., Hayek, M. N., & Hötzel, M. J. (2024). Climate change, public health, and animal welfare: Towards a One Health approach to reducing animal agriculture’s climate footprint. Frontiers in Animal Science, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2024.1281450 

Abstract:

As the world attempts to decarbonise the food industry and limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, plant-based meat analogues (PBMAs) have emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional meat. The objective of this study is to assess the environmental impacts of PBMAs compared to traditional beef burgers, aiming to address the research gap in the life cycle assessments (LCAs) of publicly available PBMA recipes. Utilising a cradle-to-fork system boundary, this research conducted a rigorous LCA on a 100 g plant-based burger patty and its beef burger (BB) counterpart, each produced in the UK but sourced from different global locations. The results demonstrated that the plant-based burger had significantly lower environmental impacts across several categories, including a 65% reduction in global warming potential and a 45% reduction in water consumption. A simple extrapolation illustrated that if the UK population switched from beef to meat analogue patties, 3 million tonnes of CO2e could be saved annually, corresponding to 0.74% of the country’s yearly territorial GHG emissions. Scenario analyses displayed how the environmental impact of the MA patty remained stable regardless of changes in exportation, ingredient origin or soy protein sourcing. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis conducted with an alternative characterisation method corroborated the initial findings, whilst uncertainty analysis ensured that nearly all of the conclusions generated from the original comparison were robust. Future studies should conduct LCAs on PBMA patties with commercial recipes using varied plant-based sources, as well as fully understanding any potential health implications of long-term PBMA consumption.

Tang, M., Miri, T., Soltani, F., Onyeaka, H., & Al-Sharify, Z. T. (2024). Life cycle assessment of plant-based vs. beef burgers: A case study in the UK. Sustainability, 16(11), 4417. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114417 

Abstract:

The UK agrifood sector is estimated to be responsible for a quarter of the UK's territorial greenhouse gas emissions, making it a priority sector for the UK's net zero commitments by 2050. Pulses have been commonly identified as significant in driving emissions reduction throughout the value chain, whilst also delivering multiple co-benefits for biodiversity, soils, local economy, and human health. This review takes a food systems perspective on the potential of pulses to help achieve net zero in UK agrifood. It explores how pulses can increase the net zero impact of each of the key activities and their associated stakeholders: producers, processors and manufacturers, transportation and storage operators, consumers, and waste handlers. In so doing, the review contributes to a field which tends to focus on the two ends of the value chain (production and consumption), as these have been the areas of main interest to date. It thereby accentuates the 'missing middle' (what happens between the farm gate and the plate) in mainstream net zero discussions. While it identifies many opportunities in all food system activities along the entire value chain, it also discusses the significant social, economic and technological barriers to increasing the production and consumption of pulses in the UK. Knowledge of producing pulses has dwindled, yields are not economically competitive, the infrastructure to support processing lacks investment, and consumer behaviour is only slowing shifting towards a more pulse-rich diet. A coordinated shift is required across the pulse system to capitalise on the overall net zero opportunities from 'fork to farm'.

Horril, M., Maguire, R., & Ingram, J. (2024). The contribution of pulses to net zero in the UK. Environmental Research: Food Systems. https://doi.org/10.1088/2976-601X/ad4be9 

Abstract:

Background and objectives: There is a lack of data on the environmental impact of children’s and adolescents’ food consumption as most studies only consider adult dietary intake and, in addition, use hypothetical diets or focus on specific food products. Hence, our aim was to assess two indicators of environmental impact of the total diet among omnivorous (OM), vegetarian (VG), and vegan (VN) children and adolescents from Germany. Methods: Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and land use (LU) were calculated using 3-day weighed dietary records from 820 participants (1–18 years old) of the cross-sectional VeChi Diet Study (n = 430, 1–3 years of age, conducted 2016–2018), the VeChi Youth Study (n = 390, 6–18 years, 2017–2019), and the life cycle-analyses food-item (SHARP-Indicators) database. Group differences of indicators were analysed using analysis of covariance. Results: On average, food consumption of OM, VG, and VN diets caused GHGE of 2.6, 1.6, and 1.0 kg CO2eq/kg food and LU of 3.1, 2.0, and 1.6 m2·year/kg food, respectively. The median total daily GHGE and LU amounts differed significantly between diet groups (p < 0.001). Standardisation to energy intake per 1000 kcal (GHGE: (OM) 2.2, (VG) 1.3, (VN) 0.9 kg CO2eq/1000 kcal; LU: (OM) 2.5, (VG) 1.6, (VN) 1.3 m2·year/1000 kcal) confirmed these results. Discussion and conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evaluation to show that even in children and adolescents, the GHGE and LU caused by an OM diet is considerably higher than the GHGE and LU on a VG or VN diet. In this way, plant-based diets performed better in terms of environmental sustainability.

Kuhl, L., Keller, V., Weder, S., Alexy, U., Fischer, M., Keller, M., Michalsen, A., Längler, A., Sputtek, A., & Gwozdz, W. (2024). The environmental impacts of omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan children and adolescents in Germany: Results of the Vechi Diet and Vechi Youth Studies. The 14th European Nutrition Conference FENS 2023, 430. https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3900/91/1/430

Abstract:

Flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan diets are increasingly popular, particularly amongst young adults. This is the first randomised dietary intervention to investigate the health, wellbeing, and behavioural implications of consuming a basal vegetarian diet that additionally includes low-to-moderate amounts of red meat compared to one containing plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) in young adults (NCT04869163)(1). The objective for the current analysis is to measure adherence to the intervention, nutrition behaviours, and participants’ experience with their allocated dietary group. Eighty healthy young adults participated in this 10-week dietary intervention as household pairs. Household pairs were randomised to receive approximately three serves of beef and lamb meat (average of 390 g total cooked weight per person per week, flexitarian group) or PBMAs (350–400 g, vegetarian group) on top of a basal vegetarian diet. Participants were supported to adopt healthy eating behaviours, and this intervention was developed and implemented using a behaviour change framework(2). Diet adherence (eating allocated meat or PBMA, abstaining from animal-based foods not provided by researchers) was monitored daily, with total scores calculated at the end of the 10-week intervention period. Eating experiences were measured by the Positive Eating Scale and a purpose-designed exit survey, and a food frequency questionnaire measured dietary intake. Analyses used mixed effects modelling taking household clustering into account. The average total adherence score was 91.5 (SD = 9.0) out of a possible 100, with participants in the flexitarian group scoring higher (96.1, SD = 4.6, compared to 86.7, SD = 10.0; p < 0.001). Those receiving meat were generally more satisfied with this allocation compared to those receiving the PBMAs, even though a leading motivation for participants joining the study was an opportunity to try plant-based eating (35% expressed that that interest). Participants in both intervention groups had increased vegetable intake (p < 0.001), and reported more positive eating experiences (p = 0.020) and satisfaction with eating (p = 0.021) at the end of the 10-week intervention relative to baseline values. Behavioural methods to encourage engagement with the trial were successful, as participants demonstrated excellent adherence to the intervention. The flexitarian and vegetarian diets elicited different responses in adherence and eating experience. This holds relevance for the inclusion of red meat and PBMAs in healthy, sustainable dietary patterns beyond this study alone.

Gillies, N. A., Worthington, A., Li, L., Conner, T. S., Bermingham, E. N., Knowles, S. O., Cameron-Smith, D., Hannaford, R., & Braakhuis, A. (2024). Adherence and eating experiences differ between participants following a flexitarian or vegetarian diet in a 10-week randomised dietary intervention trial. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 83(OCE1). https://doi.org/10.1017/S0029665124000508

Abstract:

Meat production and consumption has been identified as a significant contributor to climate change, however its consumption is not declining. Through four experimental studies we propose an identity-based intervention to promote plant-based food among meat-eaters. In particular, we demonstrated that meat-eaters are more willing to buy plant-based food when it is primed through a common (vs. vegan) identity, because of lower meat-eaters identification and, in turn, lower identity threat. Our results contribute to the understanding of the identity-based factors in influencing food consumption and offer insights for marketers, retailers, and policymakers to encourage a more sustainable diet.

Donato, C., Monsurrò, L., & Di Cioccio, M. (2024). A matter of identity: Promoting plant-based food among meat-eaters through a common identity priming. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 79, 103863. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2024.103863 

Abstract:

An important area for tackling climate change and health improvement is reducing population meat consumption. Traffic light labelling has successfully been implemented to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods and sugary drinks. The present research extends this work to meat selection. We tested 1,300 adult UK meat consumers (with quotas for age and gender to approximate a nationally representative sample). Participants were randomised into one of four experimental groups: (1) a red traffic light label with the text ‘High Climate Impact’ displayed on meat meal options only; (2) a green traffic light label with the text ‘Low Climate Impact’ displayed on vegetarian and vegan meal options only; (3) red/orange/green (ROG) traffic light labels displayed on relevant meals; and (4) control (no label present). Participants made meal selections within their randomised group across 20 meal trials. A beta-regression was performed to ascertain the change in primary outcome (proportion of meat meals selected across the 20 trials) across the different groups. The red-only label and ROG labels significantly reduced the proportion of meat meals selected compared to the unlabelled control group, by 9.2% and 9.8% respectively. The green-only label did not differ from control. Negatively framed traffic light labels seem to be effective at discouraging meat selection. The labels appeared to be moderately acceptable to meat eaters, who did not think the labels impacted the appeal of the products. These encouraging findings require replication in real-life settings.

Hughes, J. P., Weick, M., & Vasiljevic, M. (2024). Can environmental traffic light warning labels reduce meat meal selection? A randomised experimental study with UK meat consumers. Appetite, 107500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107500

Abstract:

Drawing on regulatory fit theory, construal level theory, and means-end theory, this research examined the effects of message framing, message information, and message description on restaurant diners’ consumption intentions (CI) and the amount they would be willing to pay more ($WTP) for a plant-based diet. The study employed a mixed between-within-group methodology with a micro-longitudinal 2 (gain vs. loss framing) × 2 (health vs. environment information) × 2 (attribute-based vs. benefit-based description) scenario-based experimental design. An analysis of 361 survey responses revealed that health information should be conveyed through gain-framed messages with benefit-based descriptions, whereas environment information should be conveyed through loss-framed messages with attribute-based descriptions. These results enriched our understanding of diners’ attitudes towards plant-based meat consumption. Findings laid a theoretical foundation for future studies and present practical implications for the hospitality industry.

Lin, P. M. C., Lo, A., Au, W. C. W., & Wang, R. (2024). Effectiveness of message framing in changing restaurant diners’ plant-based meat consumption. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/10963480241259909

Abstract:

Meat is one of the most consumed and nutritious foods, but excessive consumption is often associated with negative effects on the environment and human health. Based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), this study aims to understand the relationship between environmental attitude, health attitude, subjective norms and willingness to reduce meat consumption as well as the factors that influence willingness to reduce meat consumption. A total of 202 students of Universiti Putra Malaysia were involved in this study where they were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through a set of self-administered questionnaires. The results of the study show that environmental attitudes (r=0.528, p < 0.001), health attitudes (r= 0.595, p < 0.001) and subjective norm (r= 0.455, p < 0.001) have a significant relationship with willingness to reduce meat consumption. Regression results showed that all three determinant variables explain 41.2% of the variability of willingness to reduce meat consumption. Health attitude had the highest beta (?) value of 0.526 (p < 0.001) followed by environmental attitude and subjective norm with beta values of 0.200 (p < 0.001) and 0.086 (p < 0.001), respectively. Therefore, to reduce meat consumption, it is important to use target intervention and communication messages as well as celebrities’ endorsement and social influence.

Kamal, N. A., & Leby, J. L. (2023). Factors influencing willingness to reduce meat consumption among students in Universiti Putra Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 13(18). https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v13-i18/19962 

Abstract:

Current concerns regarding the health and environmental consequences associated with excessive meat consumption have underscored the importance of guiding consumers towards more sustainable diets. Given this perspective, this study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of tailored informative messages in shaping consumer behaviour, particularly within the framework of replacing meat with mushroom-based alternatives. Additionally, it explores the factors influencing informative message effectiveness. An experimental online survey was conducted on a sample of 951 Italian consumers. Specifically, the sample was divided into three groups, of which 309 individuals formed the control group, 311 participants received informative messages on the health risks associated with red meat consumption, and 331 participants received informative messages emphasizing the environmental damages linked to red meat consumption. In both treatments, there was support for mushroom-based alternatives. Analyses included subgroup assessments, tests to verify treatments effectiveness, along with OLS regression to pinpoint variables influencing message effectiveness. The results underscore a fair positive impact of the two informative messages (mean scores: 8.75 for health message; 7.01 for environmental message). Noteworthy psychosocial variables, including lifestyle patterns, nutritional perceptions, and ecological attitudes, emerged as determinants in shaping consumers' food choices. While health-related messages exhibit marked influence, the nuanced landscape of diverse drivers and barriers necessitates judicious communication strategies. These insights bear significance for policymakers, health professionals, and marketers, offering guidance for interventions that effectively influence consumer behaviour toward more sustainable and healthier food practices.

De Cianni, R., Mancuso, T., Rizzo, G., & Migliore, G. (2024). Health or environment? Understanding which informative message is more effective in replacing red meat with mushroom-based alternatives. Appetite, 107405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107405 

Abstract:

Purpose

Excessive meat consumption (MC) is associated with multiple health risks. Additionally, it can undermine environmental sustainability and affect the potential improvement of animal welfare. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of literacy interventions (LIs) in reducing MC.

Methods

Studies assessing the efficacy of LIs addressing health risks, environmental sustainability and/or animal welfare in reducing MC were searched. We used random-effects meta-analysis to estimate the overall efficacy and conducted subgroup analyses to identify the most effective information contents. Additionally, meta-regression analyses investigated participants' age, LI duration, and follow-up length influence on LIs' efficacy.

Results

Fourteen studies involving more than ten thousand subjects were meta-analyzed. The pooled estimate showed that LIs had a small (Hedges's g = 0.15; 95%CI: 0.06–0.25) but statistically significant effect in reducing MC. Subgroup analysis showed that the highest efficacy was achieved when subjects were alarmed about health risks (g = 0.29; 95% CI: −0.02, 0.60), compared to informing about the risks for the environment (g = 0.18; 95% CI: −0.15, 0.51) and for animal welfare (g = 0.02; 95%CI: −0.08, 0.11). The meta-regression analysis indicated that LIs had greater efficacy in younger individuals and when the intervention duration was longer. Conversely, it was suggested that efficacy improves as the length of follow-up increases.

Conclusions

Informing about health risks related to MC temporarily decreased its intake, while informing about the impact on environmental sustainability or animal welfare was ineffective. Furthermore, long-lasting LIs achieve long-term dietary change toward MC. 

Di Gennaro, G., Licata, F., Pujia, A., Montalcini, T., & Bianco, A. (2024). How may we effectively motivate people to reduce the consumption of meat? Results of a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Preventive Medicine, 108007. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.108007 

Abstract:

Health messages aiming to reduce red meat consumption may threaten multiple social identities because people’s dietary choices are intertwined with personal, social, and cultural aspects of their lives. Leveraging social identity theory and the concept of social identity complexity, this experiment tested how identity-threatening messages affect people’s intention to reduce red meat consumption and how the effect of identity threat may be moderated by messages highlighting the relationships between multiple identities that define a person. Participants (N = 409) read messages that varied identity threat (i.e. the extent to which people feel devalued because of their membership in a social group) and identity complexity (i.e. the extent to which people perceive multiple identities as independent). The study found that identity-threatening messages decreased intentions to reduce red meat consumption when people perceived their dietary identity as overlapping with other identities, but increased the intentions when the dietary identity was seen as independent from other identities. Further, the effects of identity threat and complexity were limited to people with high (vs. low) levels of red meat consumption. We discuss the role of identity complexity in alleviating identity threat and increasing persuasion.

Zhu, X., & Kim, Y. (2024). Mitigating identity threat in health messaging: A social identity complexity perspective. Health Communication, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2024.2358275

Abstract:

• This report provides a shallow overview of the potential for impactful opportunities from institutional plant-based meal campaigns in the U.S., France, Germany, UK, Spain, and Italy based on reviewing existing research and speaking with organizations conducting such campaigns.

• Campaigns that seek to make plant-based meals the default or set ambitious targets to reduce animal product purchases appear to offer potentially large effects. However, these campaigns may have lower chances of winning these changes and ensuring they are held, compared to less restrictive changes like offering more plant-based options every day.

• When designing changes, one should emphasize reducing all animal products in order to avoid substitution from beef and lamb to chicken, seafood, and eggs, which require more animals to be harmed.

• It appears that most large schools and universities in the U.S., France, and Germany offer regular meatless meal options. This leaves fewer opportunities available for campaigns to secure more of these particular changes. We have not seen strong evidence yet that organizations are winning much stronger changes affecting meals available or served at a large enough scale to offer significant impact.

• It appears that classroom offerings of meatless meals in Italy, Spain, and the UK are far less widespread, leaving potential room for impact from further work there. However, because we spent less time researching these countries, further research is recommended to confirm the scale of this potential opportunity, such as supporting a group to replicate these studies (Essere Animali 2024, Ottonova 2022).

• The cost-effectiveness of campaigns to win such changes seems to depend on the ambition of the change requested, the relatively high campaign costs even for small wins, and the uncertainty around costs needed to ensure this change is maintained over time. Cost-effectiveness can quickly hit diminishing returns where existing coverage is high and the extent of large-scale opportunities remaining is limited.

• High-impact opportunities may be in securing stronger changes from large institutions or catering companies that serve many institutions (e.g., plant-based defaults or high % animal product purchase reductions), expanding the size of commitments secured by relatively low-cost student-led university campaigns, or securing even more modest changes such as plant-based options every day in Italy, Spain, and the UK where existing coverage appears to be low.

Dullaghan, N. (2024). Shallow overview of institutional plant-based meal campaigns in the US and Western Europe. Rethink Priorities. https://rethinkpriorities.org/publications/plant-based-meal-campaigns-in-the-us-western-europe 

Abstract:

Whose well-being and interests matter from a moral perspective? This question is at the center of many polarizing debates, for example, on the ethicality of abortion or meat consumption. People’s attributions of moral standing are guided by which mental capacities an entity is perceived to have. Specifically, perceived sentience (e.g., the capacity to feel pleasure and pain) is thought to be the primary determinant, rather than perceived agency (e.g., the capacity for intelligence) or other capacities. This has been described as a fundamental feature of human moral cognition, but evidence in favor of it is mixed and prior studies overwhelmingly relied on North American and European samples. Here, we examined the link between perceived mind and moral standing across six culturally diverse countries: Brazil, Nigeria, Italy, Saudi Arabia, India, and the Philippines (N = 1,255). In every country, entities’ moral standing was most strongly related to their perceived sentience.

Jaeger, B., & Bosten, M. (2024). Attributions of moral standing across six diverse cultures. OSF Preprints. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/p4hc3

Abstract:

This research aimed to provide experimental evidence on whether identifying an edible animal by a name and specific preferences encourages children to perceive the animal as more similar to humans, increases their willingness to befriend the animal, and makes them less willing to consume it. In two pre-registered studies involving 208 preschool children, participants were presented with pictures of pigs (Study 1) and chickens (Study 2). In the identifiability condition, one animal was depicted with individual qualities such as a name and personal preferences, while in the non-identifiability condition, animals were portrayed with characteristics representative of the entire species. The children then rated their desire to befriend and consume the animal, while in Study 2, they also rated the animal's similarity to humans. The results revealed that animal identifiability led to higher perceived similarity to humans, increased the desire to befriend it, and reduced inclination to consume the animal. These findings highlight animal identifiability's powerful and robust effect on children's attitudes toward edible animals.

Rabinovitch, A., Myślińska-Szarek, K., Cantarero, K., & Byrka, K. (2024). Eating pigs, not Peppa Pig: The effect of identifiability on children’s propensity to humanize, befriend, and consume edible animals. Appetite, 107505. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107505

Abstract:

Humans mistreating, exploiting, and abusing animals is a common problem in our society and is related to speciesism. Speciesism refers to when humans assign different worth to beings based on their species. A way used by animal activists to reduce harmful behaviors toward animals involves showing people illustrations of situations in which animals are harmed but where the roles of animals and humans are reversed. It is unclear, however, whether this intervention is successful in reducing speciesist attitudes and behaviors toward animals. As the intervention may increase awareness of the treatment of animals, perspective-taking, and feelings associated with injustice we expected it to reduce speciesism compared with a control condition. In two studies (nStudy1 = 231 and nStudy2 = 399), participants either watched or did not watch a video showing situations in which humans take the role of nonhuman animals and vice versa. Participants’ speciesist attitudes, behavioral intentions, and behavioral responses were measured. Studies 1 and 2 showed that participants in the intervention condition more strongly intended to reduce their (in)directly harmful behavior toward animals than those in the control condition. Feelings associated with injustice mediated this effect (Study 2). There were no effects on speciesist attitude or behavioral responses. The intervention shows promise as people intended to change their behavior. Reasons for why the intervention changed intentions but not attitudes or behavioral responses are discussed. 

Banach, N., & Stel, M. (2024). Reducing speciesism: An intervention to change people’s attitudes and behavioral intentions. Anthrozoös, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2024.2345472

Abstract:

This month's Faunalytics Index provides facts and stats about monkeys used in research, the prevalence of in-ovo sexing in the E.U., cultivated meat in the U.K., and more.

Each month, our Faunalytics Index provides a round-up of data, statistics, and facts gleaned from the most recent research we’ve covered in our library. Our aim is to give you a quick overview of some of the most eye-catching and informative bits of data that could help you be more effective in your advocacy for animals.

If you want to know more about any given statistic, follow the links below, read the source articles, and dive deeper into the issues.

Faunalytics. (2024, May). Faunalytics Index – May 2024. https://faunalytics.org/faunalytics-index-may-2024/ 

Abstract:

Introduction: Food neophobia (FN) is a psychological trait that inhibits one’s willingness to eat unfamiliar foods. It is related to the acceptance of insect foods and cultured meat, which are major protein alternatives to conventional meat, and is an important personality trait for understanding the near-future food industry. However, the factor structure of Pliner and Hobden’s FN scale (FNS) is unstable due to respondents’ cultural backgrounds. Thus, we aimed to develop a Japanese version based on the alternative FNS (FNS-A), the most recent revised version, and to examine its validity.

Methods: Four online surveys (preliminary 1: n = 202; preliminary 2: n = 207; main: n = 1,079; follow-up: n = 500) were conducted on the FNS-A. For the main survey, Japanese respondents (aged 20–69 years) answered the Japanese version of the FNS-A (J-FNS-A), their willingness to eat (WTE), and their familiarity with hamburgers containing regular protein foods (ground beef, tofu) and alternative protein foods (soy meat, cultured meat, cricket powder, algae powder, and mealworm powder).

Results: Consistent with the FNS-A, confirmatory factor analysis assuming a two-dimensional structure (approach and avoidance) showed satisfactory model fit indices. The mean J-FNS-A score (Cronbach’s α for 8 items = 0.83) was 4.15 [standard deviation (SD) = 0.93]. J-FNS-A scores were not associated with age and gender, whereas a greater than moderate association was found with WTE hamburgers containing alternative protein foods (rs = −0.42 to −0.33). The strength of these negative associations increased as food familiarity decreased (r = 0.94). The test–retest reliability at 1 month was also satisfactory (r = 0.79).

Discussion: The validity of the J-FNS-A was confirmed. Higher J-FNS-A scores (mean = 41.51, SD = 9.25, converted to Pliner and Hobden’s FNS score) of the respondents suggest that Japanese people prefer conservative foods. This scale could predict the negative attitudes toward foods with low familiarity, such as alternative proteins. The J-FNS-A appears to be a useful psychological tool for assessing Japanese food neophobia tendencies and predicting novel food choices of Japanese individuals.

Kamei, M., Nishibe, M., Horie, F., & Kusakabe, Y. (2024). Development and validation of Japanese version of alternative food neophobia scale (J-FNS-A): Association with willingness to eat alternative protein foods. Frontiers in Nutrition, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1356210

Abstract:

The assessment of dietary intakes and habits using reliable and youth-specific measurement tools during adolescence is essential. The aim of the present study was to culturally adapt and investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the food preferences questionnaire (Persian-FPQ) among Iranian adolescents. This methodological cross-sectional study was conducted among 452 Persian-speaking adolescents, living in Isfahan, Iran. Translation of the FPQ was performed using forward–backward method. Intra Class Correlation (ICC) and Cronbach’s α were used to assess test–retest reliability and internal consistency, respectively. Construct validity was investigated by using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Divergent validity was determined using correlation analysis with Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10). Known-group validity was assessed based on differences in mean food preference score between boys and girls and different categories of body mass index (BMI). The internal and external reliabilities for the Persian-FPQ were in the range of good to excellent in all domains (Cronbach’s α: 0.76–0.96 and ICCs: 0.982–0.998). Boys had higher scores of food preferences than girls, indicating good known-group validity. Construct validity evaluated by EFA led to extraction of seven factors (“Vegetables”, “Fruit”, “Dairy”, “Snacks”, “Meat/Fish”, “Starches” and “Miscellaneous foods”), explaining 37.8% of the variance. Divergent validity revealed significant negative correlations between five sub-scales of the Persian-FPQ and psychological distress. The Persian version of the FPQ is a reliable and valid instrument with applicability in a broad range of the population of Persian-speaking adolescents for assessing food preferences in community-based research projects.

Heidari, Z., Feizi, A., & Haghighatdoost, F. (2024). Validity and reliability of the Persian version of food preferences questionnaire (Persian-FPQ) in Iranian adolescents. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 11493. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61433-4

Abstract:

Agricultural policy goals should be legitimised by the population, as agriculture is an important recipient of governmental support in Europe. Questions arise as to how people assess these policy goals, which factors affect the perception of agricultural policy goals and to what extent cultural differences influence this assessment. We address these questions by conducting an online survey among 1,542 respondents in the German-, French- and Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland. We find that the multifunctional role of agriculture is strongly anchored in the population’s perception of agricultural policy. The stated preferences of the participants show that increasing animal welfare is clearly the most important agricultural policy goal for Swiss citizens. Controlling for a range of sociodemographic characteristics and personal attitudes, we find evidence of differences between language regions and thus of cultural differences in the assessment of individual agricultural policy goals. For example, compared to respondents in the other two language regions, German-speaking respondents found increasing domestic food production significantly more important, whereas reducing food prices for consumers, increasing farmers’ income, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions were perceived as significantly less important goals. Environmental attitudes were closely related to the perceived importance of agricultural policy goals; thus, we can expect heated discussions in the future, especially if environmental objectives continue to be missed.

El Benni, N., Irek, J., Finger, R., Mack, G., & Ammann, J. (2024). Citizens’ perceptions of agricultural policy goals: Evidence from Switzerland. Food Policy, 125, 102643. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2024.102643

Abstract:

What do we mean by “animal welfare”, and what does the British public want for farmed animals? These are fundamental questions for Government Ministers, MPs, and civil servants. Given that farmed animals are sentient beings, society has a duty to ensure their welfare in return for the meat, eggs, and milk they provide and Government has a guardianship role as protector of farmed animals. What is a good life for farmed animals? Stakeholders all agree that farmed animals should be free from suffering. Beyond this, stakeholders can have different views on the meaning of welfare, as well as the conditions animals should be kept in. The British public and welfare NGOs believe that farmed animals should be kept in more natural conditions. This generally means access to the outdoors and more extensive conditions, to permit farmed animals to perform more natural and normal behaviours. They oppose keeping farmed animals in cages and mutilations such as tail docking in piglets. Public polls show the British public support high animal welfare standards and progressive Government policies. A 2015 Eurobarometer survey found that 98% of the UK public believed it to be important to protect farmed animal welfare.3 A 2022 poll found that 71% of the British public would like the UK Government to pass more laws to improve animal welfare.  A 2018 YouGov poll found that 82% of UK respondents support UK farmers receiving government subsidies to improve animal welfare. In 2015, 72% of UK citizens were willing to pay (WTP) more for products sourced from animal-welfare friendly systems. The vast majority of modern British farming is out of sync with public support for high animal welfare standards. The British public support outdoor and more extensive farming systems. A 2020 YouGov poll found that majorities of British respondents associated “free range” (87%), “organic” (71%), “outdoor bred” (73%) and “outdoor reared” (78%) with higher welfare standards. Despite this, 70-80% of farmed animals in the UK are intensively reared indoors. For instance, around 95% of chickens reared for meat, around one billion birds, are kept in indoor sheds. Most are genetically selected for such rapid growth that over 25%, 200 million, suffer from painful lameness for one third of their short 6-7 week lives.

McCulloch, S. (2024). Farm animal welfare in the UK: What does the British public want? Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation. https://www.conservativeanimalwelfarefoundation.org/resources/farm-animal-welfare-in-the-uk-what-does-the-british-public-want/

Abstract:

The regulation of self-control conflicts is integral to exerting self-control and pursuing (long-term) goals. Nonetheless, prevailing conceptualizations of self-control conflict have been overly broad and rarely tested empirically. In the present research, we therefore propose that self-control conflicts originate in accessible ambivalent attitudes. To examine our attitudinal perspective on self-control and self-regulation, we investigated how (ambivalent) attitudes influence self-control conflicts and how addressing these attitudes may help people exert self-control and avert future conflicts. We ran a 21-day experience-sampling study assessing daily inhibition conflicts about eating meat among conflicted vegetarians (N = 159, k = 2,387). Our findings suggest that holding (positive) attitudes that conflict with predominant (negative) attitudes is associated with heightened conflict frequency in people’s daily lives; and the situational accessibility of both attitudes is associated with conflict magnitude. Moreover, to cope with these conflicts, people often used attitude-based self-regulation involving the affirmation of negative attitudes towards eating meat and thereby successfully exerted self-control. Contrary to our prediction, however, we did not find evidence for the effectiveness of attitude-oriented self-regulatory strategies for mitigating subsequent conflict. In fact, various self-regulatory strategies, including the disaffirmation of positive attitudes, distraction, and thought suppression even tended to escalate future conflict. These findings suggest that our attitudinal perspective on self-control and self-regulation provides a parsimonious and testable conceptualization of self-control conflicts.

Buttlar, B., Pauer, S., Scherrer, V., & Hofmann, W. (2024). Attitude-based self-regulation: An experience sampling study on the role of attitudes in the experience and resolution of self-control conflicts in the context of vegetarians. OSF Preprints. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/mvzrn

Abstract:

In this study, we analyzed 989 Brazilian individuals identified as flexitarians to explore the relationship between gender, sexual orientation, and meat consumption reduction behavior, while evaluating the impact of motivations driving individuals towards this dietary model. To achieve this goal, we tested the following hypotheses: women consume less meat than men; LGBT women consume less meat than heterosexual women; LGBT men consume less meat than heterosexual men; and women are more motivated by the environmental impact of meat. Our findings revealed that although gender significantly influences motivations, with women showing a greater influence from animal ethics, flexitarians of both genders exhibit similar meat consumption patterns. Neither sexual orientation nor gender influence meat reduction patterns among flexitarians. However, the race/ethnicity of white individuals is a predominant factor among those who reduce meat consumption the most. Consequently, we conclude that (i) the social theories applied to explain gender differences in meat exclusion behavior may not be the most suitable for explaining meat reduction behavior, and (ii) intersectional approaches are needed to investigate flexitarianism.

Teixeira, C. D., Gomes, S. M., & Medeiros Jacob, M. C. (2024). Beyond gender: Exploring sexual orientation, race and motivations among Brazilian flexitarians. Appetite, 107396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107396

Abstract:

Although vegetarian and vegan (veg*an) diets can have various health, environmental and animal welfare benefits, they remain socially contentious. Despite the fundamentally social nature of eating, in situ investigations of the social-interactional elements of dietary identities have so far been lacking. Using a recently developed remotely-moderated focus group design, we explore (across 25 discussions involving 122 participants) the discursive management of veg*an ‘identity flashpoints’ during discussion with meat-eaters. Our discursive analysis explores how these moments in conversation arise and are handled in real-time within the unfolding interaction. We demonstrate how two particularly interactionally consequential features of veg*an accounts of their practice become constructed within these encounters. Firstly, personal accounts of veg*anism are interactionally preferred to moral accounts. Secondly, demonstrating continued liking of meat was necessary to be met with group acceptance among majority meat-eating groups. These features shed light on the social interactional perils of veg*an attempts to engage in persuasion with meat-eaters, particularly those based on moral grounds. Our novel methodology affords detailed analyses of how veg*ans navigate the performance of their identities in their daily interactions with dietary outgroups, providing insight into micro-level processes that might underpin, or hamper, processes of societal change in the dietary domain.

Fordonnell, M., Prosser, A., & Kurz, T. (2024). Bringing identities to the table: Exploring conversational practices of vegetarians and vegans at flashpoints in interaction with meat-eaters. Qualitative Research in Psychology. https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/publications/bringing-identities-to-the-table-exploring-conversational-practic 

Abstract:

Background

Given the growing popularity of plant-based diets, this study investigated the dietary habits and self-reported health outcomes of health-conscious adults consuming plant-based diets.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey (n = 315) was distributed to members of Plant-Based Health Professionals UK, a community interest company. Dietary intake was assessed through a food frequency questionnaire. Data were summarised descriptively. Dietary habits among respondents following a whole food plant-based (WFPB) and vegan diet were compared using hypothesis tests.

Results

Respondents reported following a WFPB (61%), vegan (28%) and semi plant-based (11%) diet. Median time on current dietary pattern was 5 years. Daily or more frequent consumption was reported for the following foods: fruits 77%, berries 51%, green vegetables 48%, cruciferous vegetables 45%, other vegetables 64%, beans/legumes 41%, whole grains 62%, nuts and all seeds 63%. Consumption of ultra-processed foods and plant-based meat alternatives was low. About 93% of those on a WFPB or vegan diet supplemented with vitamin B12 and 61% with vitamin D. The median body mass index was 22.4 kg/m2. Fifty per cent of participants reported weight loss after adopting a plant-based diet, with a median loss of 6.4 kg. Thirty-five per cent reported reversing or improving an underlying health condition, and 15% were able to stop or reduce prescribed medication use as a result of dietary changes.

Conclusions

This study suggests that a well-planned plant-based diet is achievable and sustainable in a community setting and can be associated with health benefits. How to best encourage such sustainable diets among the broad population requires further research.

Sadler, I., Bauer, A., & Kassam, S. (2024). Dietary habits and self-reported health outcomes in a cross-sectional survey of health-conscious adults eating a plant-based diet. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics : The Official Journal of the British Dietetic Association. https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.13321

Abstract:

Social media is an increasingly important yet understudied context for eating behaviors in general and veganism in particular. In four studies, we first explored and described the information environment the platform Instagram presents related to veganism. Second, we examined how engaging with this environment is associated with offline eating intentions via psychological mechanisms. We scraped datasets of Instagram posts tagged with #vegan (44,316 posts in total) and employed network analysis with their hashtags (Study 1), as well as clustering with images and sentiment analysis with texts (Study 2). Studies 3 (N = 117) and 4 (N = 251) used online surveys to investigate associations between different forms of engaging with social media content, psychological constructs, and offline eating intentions. Posts about veganism were frequently related to food, health and fitness, cosmetics, and photography. Images most often depicted food (34.7%), non-food products (30.4%), people (7.9%), and animals (2.0%). The sentiment of most posts was positive. Being exposed to Instagram content about veganism was more strongly and consistently associated with eating intentions than active forms of engagement. Attitude and self-identity emerged as the most relevant mechanisms for these effects. Food is the most prominent yet not sole topic among posts about veganism on Instagram, and hashtags used in this context partially relate to motives for following a vegan diet. Exposure to this information environment might influence offline eating decisions via psychological mechanisms. With growing usage and its potential influence, social media should receive increasing attention in (health) psychological research and practice.

Kadel, P., Heist, N., Paulheim, H., & Mata, J. (2024). From pixels to palate: Communication around #vegan on instagram and its relation with eating intentions. Appetite, 107518. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107518

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