July 2024
Browse Studies By Topic
Alternatives to animal products
3D bioprinted meat: The values-beliefs-norms evaluation of perceived future food source among younger generations.
Abstract:
Purpose: The acceptance and perception of people regarding 3D bioprinted meat are considered as primary concerns but have not been widely evaluated. This study aimed to determine how biospheric, altruistic, egoistic, ecological worldviews, awareness of consequences, social norms and personal norms affect the consumption intention of 3D bioprinted meat as a future food source.
Design/methodology/approach: The values-beliefs-norms theory grounded this study. An online survey was conducted with 600 valid respondents for analysis utilizing the structural equation modeling method.
Findings: It was found that the ecological worldview had the highest significance, and biospheric and egoistic values positively impacted individuals’ ecological worldview. The awareness of consequences and social norms was also seen to directly influence personal norms, leading to consumption intention. However, it was determined that altruistic values toward an ecological worldview had no significant effect, as an individual’s moral values are not affected by other people’s well-being.
Practical implications: This study was able to assess and discover the positive consumption intention among Filipinos, highlighting societal norms and pro-environmental behavior. The findings may help manufacturers market 3D bioprinted meat effectively and aid studies on environmentalism, social movements and consumer behavior, leading to acceptance of the development and proliferation of cultured meats.
Originality/value: There have been no studies on cultured meats such as 3D bioprinted meat in the Philippines. The current study was able to fully assess the pro-environmental behavior among Filipinos and intention for 3D bioprinted meat against the generic behavioral assessment among related studies. Comparison was presented based on the findings.
Ong, A. K. S., Arriola, R. S. L., Eneria, Z. M. R., Lopez, L. G., Matias, E. A. L., Diaz, J. F. T., German, J. D., & Gumasing, Ma. J. J. (2024). 3D bioprinted meat: The values-beliefs-norms evaluation of perceived future food source among younger generations. British Food Journal, 126(9), 3505–3528.
Age matters: The effect of regret and loss aversion on cultured meat acceptance.
Abstract:
Cultured meat shows great promise as a more sustainable alternative to conventional meat consumption. However, consumer acceptance of cultured meat remains a great challenge as studies indicate a general reluctance to adopt this product. Notably, while existing literature has provided various factors influencing consumer acceptance of cultured meat, there is a limited focus on the use of affective cues. The present research examines the impact of regret appeal on consumers’ willingness to try cultured meat. In two experimental studies, the authors investigate (1) the interactive effect between regret and age on willingness to try cultured meat, and (2) the role of loss aversion as a mediating factor between regret and willingness to try cultured meat. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of regret appeal in increasing consumers’ willingness to try cultured meat, particularly among older populations. This is because older populations exhibit higher levels of loss aversion. The present study is the first to shed light on the interactive effect of regret and age in influencing sustainable product acceptance. Furthermore, the study establishes the first empirical evidence to demonstrate that loss aversion is a valid self-regulating strategy adopted to cope with the feeling of regret in a consumption context.
Duong, C., Sung, B., & Septianto, F. (2024). Age matters: The effect of regret and loss aversion on cultured meat acceptance. Appetite, 107614.
A glance into the near future: Cultivated meat from mammalian and insect cells.
Abstract:
The increasing global population and demand for meat have led to the need to find sustainable and viable alternatives to traditional production methods. One potential solution is cultivated meat (CM), which involves producing meat in vitro from animal stem cells to generate products with nutritional and sensory properties similar to conventional livestock-derived meat. This article examines current approaches to CM production and investigates how using insect cells could enhance the process. Cell sources are a critical issue in CM production, alongside advances in culture media, bioreactors for scalability, and scaffold development. Insect cells, compared to commonly used mammalian cells, may offer advantages in overcoming technological challenges that hinder cell culture development and expansion. The objective of this review is to emphasize how insects, as a cell source for CM production, could offer a more sustainable option. A crucial aspect for achieving this goal is a comprehensive understanding of the physiology of muscle and fat cells. In this work, the characteristics of insect and mammalian cells are compared, focusing particularly on muscle and fat cell development, regulatory pathways, hormonal regulation, and tissue composition. Insect cells are a promising source for CM, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative.
Giglio, F., Scieuzo, C., Ouazri, S., Pucciarelli, V., Ianniciello, D., Letcher, S., Salvia, R., Laginestra, A., Kaplan, D. L., & Falabella, P. (2024). A glance into the near future: Cultivated meat from mammalian and insect cells. Small Science.
An overview of cultured meat and stem cell bioprinting: How to make it, challenges and prospects, environmental effects, society’s culture and the influence of religions.
Abstract:
Meat is the main and important source of protein, minerals, and vitamins and plays a crucial role in human nutrition. Based on projections, the consumption of it is expected to increase twofold by 2050 as a result of population growth. Conversely, this surge in meat production gives rise to issues such as the indiscriminate slaughter of animals, the escalation in methane gas production and subsequent exacerbation of the global warming phenomenon, the heightened risk of shared diseases between humans and animals, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of pathogens, as well as excessive water usage. There will be a significant amount, therefore, it is imperative to explore novel approaches, such as employing lab-grown meat. Current research in this field is primarily centered around the production of cultured meat. These meats offer numerous benefits, such as their eco-friendliness and their ability to mitigate animal-borne illnesses. In the process of cultivating meat, stem or satellite cells are extracted from the animal’s muscle tissue without causing harm to the animal. These cells are then placed in a culture medium containing fetal bovine serum. Subsequently, they employ either edible or non-edible scaffolds as a means of facilitating cell proliferation, which is then introduced into a bioreactor to induce the growth of tissue. Under optimal growth conditions, including appropriate temperature, oxygen levels, nutrient availability, and growth factors, it typically takes approximately 3–5 weeks for a thin piece of meat to develop. Presently, the feasibility of adopting cultured meat production is severely limited by its exorbitant cost, substandard colour and taste, and the lack of acceptance by various religious groups. Enhancing the colour of the meat can be achieved by incorporating edible colour compounds like red beetroot and saffron, while its taste can be enhanced by incorporating fatty acids, fats, and protein. It is important to acknowledge that this technology is still in its initial phases and in order to achieve widespread production, it is imperative to attain a satisfactory level of consumer approval. Furthermore, the adoption of this technology may potentially lead to a decrease in the income of livestock breeders. However, given the inherent risks associated with the livestock industry, it is imperative to proceed in this direction. Also, 3D printing is an advancing digital technology that has a vast market potential in the field of food and nutrition technology. It offers a platform for creating distinctive food products that have improved sensory and nutritional qualities, specifically tailored for a particular consumer. 3D printing has the potential to provide distinct solutions for the crucial challenges in cultured meat production, specifically in controlling the protein, fat, and other nutritional composition, as well as creating a lifelike texture. The main man-made materials used in tissue engineering are polystyrene, polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and a mixture of polylactic and polyglycolic acids called PLGA.
Soleymani, S., Naghib, S. M., & Mozafari, M. R. (2024). An overview of cultured meat and stem cell bioprinting: How to make it, challenges and prospects, environmental effects, society’s culture and the influence of religions. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 18, 101307.
Bringing veganism to the wardrobe: Examining consumers’ intention to buy vegan leather.
Abstract:
Given the rising interest in ethical fashion consumption among consumers this study posits the reasons behind getting involved in such consumption behavior. Using self-concept theory, this study investigates the influence of internalized moral identity, symbolized moral identity, green self-concept, product self-concept, perceived self-enhancement and green self-identity to explain consumers’ intention to buy vegan leather. In addition, the moderating role of perceived social stigma was also analyzed. Standardized scales were used to collect the data from 348 participants from India. Data were analyzed using the AMOS-based structural equation modeling technique. The results indicate that internalized moral identity, green self-concept, and product self-concept shape the green self-identity of an individual consumer. Further, only moral identity (both internalized and symbolized) influences perceived self-enhancement. This study contributes to the literature on ethical fashion buying behavior from an individual’s values point of view that may be applied by practitioners to comprehend the global vegan market.
Goel, P., Rana, N. P., Charles, V., & Sharma, A. (2024). Bringing veganism to the wardrobe: Examining consumers’ intention to buy vegan leather. International Studies of Management & Organization, 1–31.
Cell-based meat: An emerging paradigm in fish meat production.
Abstract:
Cell-based fish meat production, an innovative technology in its early stages in India, promises to address the fish demands of the future. This method, unlike traditional fisheries, cultivates meat directly from cells. The process begins with harvesting progenitor cells from the target fish, then differentiating and proliferating to the required numbers (either with or without scaffolds), and finally, compacting them into meat. This technique has the potential to create meat of all types of fishes, including threatened, endangered and non-native species. However, before cell-based meat can be commercially viable in India, it faces challenges such as production costs, consumer preferences for meat quality, and the establishment of national food safety standards, particularly as the market readies for both imported and domestically produced lab-grown fish products.
Badireddy, M. R., Swaminathan, R. T., & Joseph, T. C. (2024). Cell-based meat: An emerging paradigm in fish meat production. Fishery Technology, 61(2).
Consumer behavior toward plant-based foods: A theoretical review, synthesis and conceptual framework.
Abstract:
Purpose: Plant-based (PB) and meat-reduced (MR) diets have a positive impact on human and environmental health, yet consumer acceptance of such diets is relatively low. Research investigating factors influencing consumer behavior around PB and MR diets is emerging; however studies lack strong theoretically underpinned, comprehensive theoretical frameworks. In this paper we synthesize factors from current literature and propose a comprehensive theoretical model across different consumer dietary types (e.g. omnivore, flexitarian, pesco-vegetarian) and account for consumer cognitive dissonance to facilitate a transition to MR diets.
Design/methodology/approach: The factors are examined in a five-step integrative literature review of empirical literature about PB/MR-related consumer behavior since 1989. Studies are critically assessed across four theories commonly used to explain the different antecedents of sustainable consumer behavior. We focus on the theoretical domains framework with COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation and behavior) framework, as it provides the strongest foundation for modelling the consumer behavior of interest.
Findings: 107 studies have empirically investigated PB/MR consumer behavior. Of these, 81 studies applied some COM-B domains, but no study has captured all domains. Scant studies investigating cognitive dissonance in the PB/MR literature have been published. Different consumer dietary types are featured across 47 studies; however, none of the studies comprehensively capture all dietary types and psychological discomfort in different consumer dietary types and cognitive dissonance theory.
Research limitations/implications: To synthesize the findings of the present study, we propose an alternative model to address the before-mentioned gaps identified in our critical analysis. The alternative model captures the relationships between the 12 domains of the COM-B model constructs, psychological discomfort and consumer dietary types in the PB/MR foods setting.
Practical implications: The proposed research model facilitates the transition from MB diets to PB diets in three ways: (1) By differentiating consumer dietary types in terms of the COM domains influencing their PB/MR behaviors, PB-producing businesses could better target their foods to hitherto overlooked consumer dietary categories, such as lacto-vegetarians or emerging categories, such as flexitarians, through more refined segmentation and sharper profiling of consumers. (2) Knowing the level of capabilities of consumers in respect of cooking skills and knowledge about purchasing and preparing PB foods could help marketers develop strategies to improve buyers’ skills and knowledge. (3) With an understanding of the opportunities (from the Opportunity domain of the COM-B model), including environmental context and resources and social influences, PB food businesses could more effectively market their PB food products. (4) It provides an understanding of capability, motivation and opportunity factors separately but also the interrelationship between these COM domains, as all these variables are intertwined.
Social implications: Our ILR with the proposed model and the resulting research helps facilitate progress in the transition to PB diets necessary for more sustainable global food production and consumption.
Originality/value: The paper is the first to critically assess existing PB/MR literature regarding each of the COM-B domains, psychological discomfort and the six dietary types. We propose an alternative research model to address the gaps in literature and explain the antecedents and moderators in PB/MR dietary transition. The proposed model may provide information for practitioners and future researchers to understand a wider range of relevant factors influencing consumer’s behavior in transitioning to PB/MR diets.
Matharu, G. K., von der Heidt, T., & Sorwar, G. (2024). Consumer behavior toward plant-based foods: A theoretical review, synthesis and conceptual framework. British Food Journal, 126(9), 3372–3396.
Consumer sustainability perception towards meat, dairy and plant-based products.
Abstract:
Sustainability increasingly shapes consumer attitudes and purchasing decisions, but perceptions of what constitutes sustainability vary. This study, conducted in Sweden and Italy with 600 respondents, examines sustainability in a multidimensional manner (across social, environmental, economic, and health dimensions) for burgers and milk. Using the Sustainability Dimensions Perception Scale (SDPS) and a Choice-Based Conjoint (CBC) analysis, the research found that the food ingredient’s origin (animal vs. vegetal) was the most important attribute for defining a sustainable product, particularly for burgers. Plant-based options were associated with higher perceptions of social, environmental, and health dimensions. Other product characteristics (i.e., packaging material, storage conditions, labelling) were generally viewed as less important in terms of sustainability. Further, different product attributes aligned with various sustainability dimensions, and their importance varied by product category. In addition, five consumer segments were identified in the dairy and burger categories: “Animal-based food”, “Local label”, “Label importance”, “Plant-based food”, and “Cardboard container”, each reflecting diverse priorities in sustainability. As a result, this study addresses the general sustainable attitudes and product-specific attitudes, building on a multidimensional framework. This study offers valuable insights for understanding consumer preferences and developing strategies to guide them toward more sustainable choices.
Vaikma, H., Kern, M., Harwood, W., & Amli, V. (2024). Consumer sustainability perception towards meat, dairy and plant-based products.
Creating legitimacy for cultured meat in Germany: The role of social cohesion.
Abstract:
Few studies on legitimation of new technologies were able to provide insights into the longitudinal changes in legitimacy outcomes and the social dynamics that underpin such outcomes. Using a novel mixed-methods approach, combining Natural Language Processing with a qualitative text analysis, and drawing on the concept of social cohesion to investigate the social relations among actors, the study offers new insights into the legitimation of cultured meat in Germany. Using 424 newspaper articles, we identify four topics in the public discourse related to cultured meat and positive average sentiment on each topic over the period 2011–2021. Furthermore, we find the actors, groups, and social relations that shape the observed legitimacy outcomes. The empirical findings are used to develop propositions about the role of social cohesion in legitimacy creation. The study paves the way for future studies on social cohesion dynamics in socio-technical change.
Weckowska, D., Weiss, D., Fiala, V., Nemeczek, F., Voss, F., & Dreher, C. (2024). Creating legitimacy for cultured meat in Germany: The role of social cohesion. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 52, 100871.
CRISPR-edited, cell-based future-proof meat and seafood to enhance global food security and nutrition.
Abstract:
Food security is a major concern due to the growing population and climate change. A method for increasing food production is the use of modern biotechnology, such as cell culture, marker-assisted selection, and genetic engineering. Cellular agriculture has enabled the production of cell-cultivated meat in bioreactors that mimic the properties of conventional meat. Furthermore, 3D food printing technology has improved food production by adding new nutritional and organoleptic properties. Marker-assisted selection and genetic engineering could play an important role in producing animals and crops with desirable traits. Therefore, integrating cellular agriculture with genetic engineering technology could be a potential strategy for the production of cell-based meat and seafood with high health benefits in the future. This review highlights the production of cell-cultivated meat derived from a variety of species, including livestock, birds, fish, and marine crustaceans. It also investigates the application of genetic engineering methods, such as CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein), in the context of cellular agriculture. Moreover, it examines aspects such as food safety, regulatory considerations, and consumer acceptance of genetically engineered cell-cultivated meat and seafood.
Chandrababu, A., & Puthumana, J. (2024). CRISPR-edited, cell-based future-proof meat and seafood to enhance global food security and nutrition. Cytotechnology.
Investigating the coexistence of psychological drivers and deterrents of consumer acceptance of cultured meat hamburger patties.
Abstract:
Consumers’ willingness to contribute to the development of sustainable food systems has led to a growth in the use of faux meat in producing hamburger patties. This study investigates whether consumers’ explicit and implicit perceptions of cultured meat will assist in encouraging the acceptance of cultured meat in this market. We measured consumers’ perceptions using opinion statements and the level of agreement was ranked on a Likert scale. Composite indices were extracted from this data and these were regressed against consumers’ willingness to try cultured meat burger patties. The study found that the implicit perceptions (worldviews) promoted both neophobic and neophilic attitudes while explicit (product-specific) perceptions indicated that consumers’ rejection may be driven by concerns of anticipated social, cultural and economic disruptions. The study’s results suggest tactful marketing approaches that can utilise implicit perceptions to promote consumer acceptance. Other results indicated the areas of concern that should be addressed to facilitate acceptance and the population groups that could be targeted as early adopters.
Tsvakirai, Zvirurami, C., Nalley, & Lanier, L. (2024, August 7). Investigating the coexistence of psychological drivers and deterrents of consumer acceptance of cultured meat hamburger patties. IAAE 2024 Conference.
Is cell-based meat a climate solution for Canada?
Abstract:
Interest and technological know-how in cell-based meat production has grown tremendously in recent years. The appeal is wide ranging, but two main drivers include: i) the possibility of producing edible meat without requiring the slaughter of sentient animals; and ii) the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture. Owing to these potential benefits, proponents have called for major government investments in cell-based meat to further develop the technology and help launch the industry. This article critically examines the environmental promise of cell-based meat, focussing specifically on its potential role in climate change mitigation, and specifically within the context of Canada’s agri-food sector. The analysis is founded upon a comparison of available life cycle greenhouse gas assessments of cell-based and conventional meat, supplemented with contextual data about the Canadian agri-food sector. Cell-based meat in Canada is found to have a likely carbon footprint similar in scale to poultry meat, pork, and beef from dairy cattle, though considerably lower than meat from beef cattle. Alongside these findings and additional contextual factors pertaining to Canada’s agri-food sector, the paper argues that cell-based meat is best understood as one tool among many which could potentially support greenhouse gas emissions reductions in domestic food production if supporting conditions are met, not a silver bullet climate solution obtained by fully replacing conventional meat.
Katz-Rosene, R. M. (2024). Is cell-based meat a climate solution for Canada? Canadian Food Studies / La Revue Canadienne Des Études Sur l’alimentation, 11(1), 131–156.
Meat, plant-based or in-vitro salami: Explaining food product choice of Generation Y and Z in Germany through carnism and the core dimensions of the food-related lifestyle scale.
Abstract:
The food industry contributes to negative consequences for the environment through animal husbandry. To provide more transparency to consumers, husbandry labels were introduced. In addition, many vegetarian/vegan meat alternatives are available on the market to reduce meat consumption. A new type of meat substitute is in vitro-meat, which is grown in the laboratory using stem cells. There is a gap in knowledge regarding social attitudes that influence customers to eat meat or meat substitutes. Carnism and the core dimensions of the food-related lifestyle scale were used to explain the perception of meat, plant-based meat, and in-vitro meat. The research gap was explored using a survey on salami. The results can be used in marketing and to understand the factors that contribute to Generation Y and Z ´ s choice to eat meat. Attendants could choose between products with different attributes, such as salami type, environment label, animal welfare label, origin label, and price. The survey shows that type of salami is the most important characteristic for consumer´s choice immediately before animal welfare label. Three segments were formed through latent class analysis that differed in their attitudes and the importance of attributes for their choices. The majority of Generation Y and Z in Germany prefer vegan meat over real meat, and in-vitro meat is more popular than beef or pork meat, although this is still unknown and not yet on the German market. Carnism and core dimensions of food-related lifestyle scale partly explain choice behavior, and are also guiding people choosing in-vitro meat.
Meyerding, S. G. H., & Kuper, M. J. (2024). Meat, plant-based or in-vitro salami: Explaining food product choice of Generation Y and Z in Germany through carnism and the core dimensions of the food-related lifestyle scale. Food and Humanity, 3, 100338.
Moving beyond meat: Perceived unnaturalness and disgust across cultured foods.
Abstract:
- Most research on cultured-food acceptance examines cultured meat.
- Cultured foods span from cultured animal-flesh (meat) to cultured plants (cacao).
- Two studies assess people’s reactions to cultured foods of different cell sources.
- Foods with higher animal likeness are seen as particularly unnatural and disgusting.
- Perceived unnaturalness and disgust significantly predict cultured food acceptance.
Herziger, A. (2024). Moving beyond meat: Perceived unnaturalness and disgust across cultured foods. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 98, 102384.
Plant-based meat analogues and consumer interest in 3D-printed products: A mini-review.
Abstract:
The markets for plant-based meat analogues (PBMAs) are growing worldwide, showing the increasing consumer demand for and acceptance of these new products. Three-dimensional (3D) food printing is a new technology with huge potential for printing products customised to suit consumers’ wants and needs. There is a broad acceptance from consumers regarding the safety and desirability of consuming food products that are produced using 3D printing. As this is a new technology, consumers must be provided with relevant information from a trusted source, with further research needing to be conducted within the context of the identified market and culture. By embracing the strength of customisation of 3D printing and coupling this with the global demand for plant-based products, 3D printed PBMAs could be a future challenger to the currently popular production method of extrusion. Therefore, this article reviews consumer interests in PBMAs and summarises opportunities for using 3D printing technology to produce plant-based meat analogues.
Miller, O., Scarlett, C. J., & Akanbi, T. O. (2024). Plant-based meat analogues and consumer interest in 3D-printed products: A mini-review. Foods, 13(15).
Plant-based meat analogues: A question of choice.
Abstract:
The intent of this study was to investigate and describe the acceptability of plant-based meat analogues among trend sensitive consumers. A survey answered by 296 respondents. The survey addressed respondents’ demographics, their determinants for selecting or not selecting PBMAs, and how these products are named. The results showed larger proportions of male respondents and rural dwellers in the subsample of those who did not select PBMAs compared to those who did. Those who did not select PBMAs perceived these products as artificial and containing imported ingredients and additives. They also associated them with having an unfavourable flavour and texture. The most important reason for respondents choosing to eat PBMAs was that they perceived these products to be more environmentally and animal friendly. Factors of highest importance in the selection of PBMAs for both respondents who already eat PBMAs and those interested in trying these products were the flavour (84%) and that they are visually appealing (43%). The respondents in this study preferred that these types of products be named “plant-based protein”. This study provides a snapshot of the current development, documenting the important drivers for well-educated, high-income women. This consumer group can be seen as forerunners in the vital and rapid transition that must now take place.
Forsberg, S., Olsson, V., Johansson, M., & Wendin, K. (2024). Plant-based meat analogues: A question of choice.
Price elasticities of meat, fish and plant-based meat substitutes: Evidence from store-level Dutch supermarket scanner data (TI 2024-046/VIII).
Abstract:
Reducing meat consumption has become a global policy target due to rising environmental, health, and animal welfare concerns. We provide novel evidence on how price change in real life affects grocery shopping behavior in the Netherlands. We focus on price-induced behavioral response among major meat categories (beef, pork, and poultry), fish, and the emerging product category of plant-based meat substitutes (PBMS). Our analysis is based on detailed weekly transaction data from approximately 1,500 products in 884 stores from several retail chains between 2015 and 2018. The own- and cross-price elasticities are estimated via a Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System model, where we instrument the endogenous prices by the average prices from nearby stores. Our results show that all animal products have inelastic own-price elasticities, except for pork (-2.1). PBMS have a significant positive own-price elasticity (1.52), which we explain by the increasing variety of high-quality PBMS products. We also show that PBMS are price complements for beef, poultry, and fish. This study contributes to the policy discussions on a carbon meat tax and the protein transition by providing key statistics on price elasticities.
Liu, Z., & Ansink, E. (2024). Price elasticities of meat, fish and plant-based meat substitutes: Evidence from store-level Dutch supermarket scanner data (TI 2024-046/VIII). Tinbergen Institute.
Replacing animal fats with plant-based lipids: Challenges and opportunities.
Abstract:
There is growing interest in replacing meat products with plant-based alternatives for environmental, health, and animal welfare reasons. Plant-based meat analogs are usually designed to have sensorial characteristics that match those of real meat. Lipids play a significant role in this. Therefore, there is interest in using structured plant-based lipids, like oleogels and emulsions, to replace the adipose tissue and other fats in meat analogs. Moreover, there is interest in creating natural antioxidant strategies to improve the quality and shelf life of the lipids in plant-based foods. However, further research is still needed to develop plant-based lipids that accurately mimic the behavior of animal-based ones. This review explores and discusses various technological approaches to address challenges in creating plant-based alternatives to animal fats, particularly in the context of meat and dairy products, to provide insights into innovative approaches for improving the sustainability, health, and sensory attributes of plant-based meat analogs, addressing challenges related to texture, oxidation, and overall product quality.
Gumus-Bonacina, C. E., Mcclements, D. J., & Decker, E. A. (2024). Replacing animal fats with plant-based lipids: Challenges and opportunities. Current Opinion in Food Science, 58, 101193.
Ready meals that look hot increase consumers’ willingness to pay for plant-based options.
Abstract:
This study investigates consumers’ perception of plant-based and meat-based ready meals, focusing on ratings of tastiness, freshness, healthiness, and willingness to pay (WTP). Our findings reveal that plant-based ready meals are perceived as looking less tasty, and consumers exhibit a decreased WTP when compared to meat-based alternatives, despite the plant-based options being perceived as healthier. We further explore whether the visual cueing of a hot meal on food packaging can influence consumer evaluations. Specifically, we examine the effect of adding steam − a visual indicator of heat − to images on frozen food packaging. The results demonstrate that the presence of steam enhances perceived food temperature and freshness ratings for both plant-based and meat-based ready meals. Notably, increased temperature perception leads to a higher WTP, but only for plant-based products. Mediation analysis reveals that for plant-based ready meals, the impact of heightened temperature perception on WTP is mediated by increased perceived tastiness. These findings have significant implications for nudging consumers towards healthier food choices. By leveraging visual temperature cues in packaging design, it may be possible to enhance the appeal of plant-based ready meals, thereby encouraging more sustainable and health-conscious consumer behaviour.
Zhang, T., Gao, Y., & Spence, C. (2024). Ready meals that look hot increase consumers’ willingness to pay for plant-based options. Food Quality and Preference, 121, 105277.
Research progress in manufacturing technique of artificial meat.
Abstract:
Cultivated meat, as an innovative substitute for conventional meat, is widely recognized as an effective solution to challenges such as meat supply shortages, environmental impacts, and animal welfare concerns. Based on the production technology used, cultivated meat can be categorized into three types: plant-based meat, cell-cultured meat, and microbial protein meat. This review explores the production processes and sensory quality enhancement techniques for these three types of cultivated meat, analyzes their respective technological advantages and challenges, and provides a forecast on the future development trends of cultivated meat products.
Xiaoyan, Y., Yachun, L., & Xu, D. (2024). Research progress in manufacturing technique of artificial meat. Food and Machinery, 40(6).
Revolutionizing meat processing: A nexus of technological advancements, sustainability, and cultured meat evolution.
Abstract:
This thorough analysis traverses the ever-changing terrain of meat processing, revealing a story intertwined with technological innovations, environmentally friendly methods, and the revolutionary rise of cultured meat production. The amalgamation of sustainable polymers, sophisticated composite coatings, and potent antioxidant agents strikingly demonstrates the sector’s dedication to novelty and ecological accountability. Diagrammatic depictions outline tactical approaches to lowering carbon emissions, highlighting the circular economy in terms of material recycling and the creative recycling of agricultural and food waste into environmentally acceptable packaging. Modern meat processing techniques, automation, and smart technology are all explored, emphasising waste minimization, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices.In terms of the future, the assessment offers a peek at how biotechnological developments and uses of nanotechnology will combine to transform how meat is produced. The integration of precision biotechnology, ethical concerns, and sustainability ushers a new era of responsible and creative food production, positioning the meat processing sector as a pathfinder in addressing consumer needs
Suychinov, A., Akimova, D., Kakimov, A., Zharykbasov, Y., Baikadamova, A., Okuskhanova, E., Bakiyeva, A., & Ibragimov, N. (2024). Revolutionizing meat processing: A nexus of technological advancements, sustainability, and cultured meat evolution. Potravinarstvo Slovak Journal of Food Sciences, 18, 331–346.
Should dogs and cats be fed vegan diets?
Abstract:
Vegan pet diets have historically been controversial, as dogs and cats are biologically omnivores and carnivores respectively. However, due to the demands of consumers concerned about farmed animal welfare and environmental sustainability, increasing numbers of pet food companies are now producing vegan diets excluding any animal products. These aim to supply all nutritional needs using plant-sourced ingredients, and supplements of minerals, vitamins and amino acids, amongst others.
However, a recent study by Daina et al. (1) asserted nutritional inadequacies in vegan pet diets. The study based its conclusions on the analysis of only three specific diets—a sample insufficient to draw conclusions about the nutritional soundness of all vegan pet diets. Nutritional unsoundness is also not uncommon among nonvegan pet diets (2). Although diets in each group may be nutritionally sound or unsound, depending on the quality of diet formulation and manufacturing, systemic differences between vegan and meat-based pet foods appear minimal in this respect. In fact, a recent survey of 29 pet food manufacturers (many more than examined by Daina et al.), which examined steps taken to ensure nutritional soundness and diet quality, found that 10 plant-based pet foods had slightly higher standards overall, than 19 meat-based pet foods (3). The former were more—not less—likely to be nutritionally sound.
Furthermore, the gold standard test for nutritional adequacy is animal health and longevity. Ten studies in dogs (4–13) and three in cats (14–16) have found that vegan diets produce health outcomes as good or better than nonvegan diets. The palatability of vegan pet diets appears comparable to that of meat-based diets (17), and nutritionally-sound vegan diets for dogs and cats offer major benefits for environmental sustainability (18).
The sweeping claims made by Daina et al. concerning the nutritional unsoundness of vegan pet diets are inconsistent with the evidence in this field, and incorrect. Given the positive health outcomes for dogs and cats maintained on nutritionally-sound vegan diets, and the substantial environmental benefits such diets may offer, the use of such diets should be supported.
Harsini, F., Knight, A., & Smith, B. (2024). Should dogs and cats be fed vegan diets? Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11, 1430743.
The development of an interactive platform to educate children on alternative proteins.
Abstract:
n/a
Pink, A. E., Juraimi, S. A., Pillay, A., Wong, L. Z., Simons, J., Sheen, F., Fogel, A., Chong, M. F.-F., Smith, B. P. C., Khoo, K., Bonang, P., & Min, M. (2024). The development of an interactive platform to educate children on alternative proteins. Appetite, 199, 107455.
Think and choose! The dual impact of label information and consumer attitudes on the choice of a plant-based analog.
Abstract:
This study explored the impact of various label information (extrinsic attributes) and sociodemographic and attitudinal factors (intrinsic attributes) on Brazilian consumer choices, using simulated traditional and plant-based muçarela cheese as the model product. The research was conducted in two phases: the first involved a structured questionnaire assessing attitudinal dimensions such as Health Consciousness, Climate Change, Plant-based Diets, and Food Neophobia, along with sociodemographic data collection. The second phase comprised a discrete choice experiment with (n = 52) and without (n = 509) eye tracking. The term “Cheese” on labels increased choice probability by 7.6% in a general survey and 15.1% in an eye tracking study. A prolonged gaze at “Cheese” did not affect choice, while more views of “Plant-based product” slightly raised choice likelihood by 2.5%. Repeatedly revisiting these terms reduced the choice probability by 3.7% for “Cheese” and 1% for “Plant-based product”. Nutritional claims like “Source of Vitamins B6 and B12” and “Source of Proteins and Calcium” boosted choice probabilities by 4.97% and 5.69% in the general and 8.4% and 6.9% in the eye-tracking experiment, respectively. Conversely, front-of-package labeling indicating high undesirable nutrient content decreased choice by 13% for magnifying presentations and 15.6% for text. In a plant-based subsample, higher environmental concerns and openness to plant-based diets increased choice probabilities by 5.31% and 5.1%, respectively. These results highlight the complex dynamics between label information, consumer understanding, and decision-making.
Tavares Filho, E. R., Silva, R., Campelo, P. H., Platz, V. H. C. B., Spers, E. E., Freitas, M. Q., & Cruz, A. G. (2024). Think and choose! The dual impact of label information and consumer attitudes on the choice of a plant-based analog. Foods, 13(14).
What next for mycoprotein?
Abstract:
Mycoprotein is a protein-rich food ingredient derived from cultivated fungal mycelium. Mycoprotein-containing meat imitation food products were first commercialized nearly 40 years ago and have since become a safe, nutritious, and generally well-established vegetarian alternative for consumers wishing to reduce or completely avoid meat consumption. In just the past few years, there has been a notable resurgence in mycoprotein innovation with many new companies developing novel mycoprotein products while also employing a wider range of fungal species as well as cultivation methods. However, questions remain about how successful mycoprotein has been as a novel food ingredient with regard to its sustainability and resilience of production as well as its potential for further market growth globally.
Linder, T. (2024). What next for mycoprotein? Current Opinion in Food Science, 58, 101199.
What’s in a name? Regulatory labels in the emergent category of cell-cultivated meat.
Abstract:
This study examines how proponents and opponents of an emergent market category vie to shape the development of regulatory labels of new products. While an extensive amount of organizational research has examined how market category labels are constructed and adopted, less attention has been paid to processes of regulatory labelling. This is surprising, as studies have acknowledged that market and regulatory labels serve different purposes and are governed by different sets of rules and objectives. Whereas market labels are designed to influence consumer choice and signal competitive positioning, regulatory labels are designed to ensure transparency, consumer safety, and product compliance. In this study, we explore the process by which a regulatory label was negotiated in the nascent market category of cell-cultivated meat (i.e., meat produced by cultivating animal cells in bioreactors). Drawing on archival documents, interviews, and ethnographic observations, we unpack the different strategies employed by proponents and opponents—showing how these strategies influenced regulatory labels and, thus, how the product was classified under the law and the regulatory agencies responsible. Building on our findings, we theorize how regulators manage competing interests by striking a balance in linguistic distancing, conceptualized as the optimal association and dissociation from an existing category that facilitates category emergence, while preserving the stability of existing institutional frameworks. The study contributes to research on strategic categorization and the dynamics of creating and using labels to shape category emergence.
Winkler, M., & Raynard, M. (2024). What’s in a name? Regulatory labels in the emergent category of cell-cultivated meat. ATLA Summary of Proceedings, 2024(1).
Animal product consumption
Animal markets and zoonotic disease risk: A 15 country study.
Abstract:
Zoonotic diseases—diseases that move from animals to humans—present deep and dynamic threats to global health. This report is a synthesis of a 15-country global study that investigates the systems of animal use that drive zoonotic disease risks and critically examines the regulatory frameworks that govern them. The purpose of this research is to shed new light on human-animal interactions and their broader implications for global health security. Observations drawn from these case study reports, grounded in original research and authored by in-country experts, form the foundation of this analysis. This report brings forward new examples, gathered from across six continents, to describe the landscape of zoonotic risk from a global perspective. This synthesis report begins with a descriptive analysis of animal markets, which are highrisk locations for zoonotic spillover, and explores the many forms that these markets can take. It then examines the sources supplying these markets, including the capture and trade of wild animals, the wildlife farming industry, and the livestock industry. In doing so, it seeks to sketch some of the most common pathways of zoonotic disease emergence and analyze the supply chains that move animals and pathogens across the globe. The report subsequently analyzes how the systems that are currently in place respond to the disease outbreaks that occur within these industries. Finally, the report focuses on the need to improve regulation in order to better address zoonotic risks and examines how some countries are undertaking this challenging task.
Linder, A., Nadzam, B., Jamieson, D., Stilt, K., & McCarthy, V. (2024). Animal markets and zoonotic disease risk: A 15 country study. Center for Environmental and Animal Protection.
Consumers’ beef purchasing behavior across countries.
Abstract:
In 2022, the value of United States (US) beef and beef product exports was $11.7 billion, and the US was the world’s largest beef producer and second-largest beef exporter by volume. Therefore, we conducted surveys to evaluate beef purchasing behavior among consumers in important and emerging US beef export markets, including Japan, the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, and Mexico. Results reveal differences in consumers’ beef purchasing behavior across countries. Most Mexican consumers purchase beef two-to-three times a week, while consumers in other countries typically purchase it once a week. Using ordered probit models, we examined the factors associated with beef purchase frequency in each country. Japanese consumers who consider price to be an important factor when purchasing beef are less likely to purchase it frequently. German consumers, for whom brands are important when buying beef, are more likely to buy it frequently. British consumers, who consider hormone-free production to be important when purchasing beef, are less likely to buy it frequently. Mexican consumers, who consider grass-fed production to be an important factor when purchasing beef, are less likely to buy it frequently. Across all countries, individuals who purchase beef at supermarkets and from butchers are more likely to purchase it more often. Results also indicate that various consumer demographics are associated with beef purchase frequency across countries. The findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders regarding international consumer beef purchasing behavior.
Dahal, B. R., DeLong, K. L., Gao, S., & Grebitus, C. (2024). Consumers’ beef purchasing behavior across countries. Meat Science, 217, 109611.
Global human consumption of animal calories stabilizes in the long run.
Abstract:
Animal-based foods, a traditional source of nutrients, are increasingly called into question owing to human health and environmental concerns. We show that across a simulated period of 200 years the share of animal calories in the total global calorie supply has stagnated over the last forty years. This is inconsistent with Bennett’s law, which states that diet shares of meat and other nutrient-dense foods increase when per capita incomes rise. It implies a growing environmental footprint of the global human diet. Using FAOSTAT and World Bank data, our panel regression estimates confirm a weakening link between income and animal calorie consumption as countries develop. This trend is also observed for human trophic levels, a measure of the energy intensity of diets. Overall, we contribute to the food sustainability debate by offering a long-term view of actual animal-source calorie development patterns.
Fischer, C., Kipkoech, B., & Ruto, E. (2024). Global human consumption of animal calories stabilizes in the long run. Research Square.
Animal welfare
Animal welfare indicators and stress response of broiler chickens raised at low and high stocking density.
Abstract:
Stocking density is a crucial parameter that impacts animal welfare, performance, and economic returns for producers. In our current investigation, we explored the influence of stocking density on the growth performance, litter quality, footpad dermatitis, and corticosterone concentrations in broiler chickens. Low and high stocking densities were defined as 16.7 birds/m2 (certified for animal welfare, n = 32,000; initial BW = 42.11±0.32g; Arbor Acres) and 20.3 birds/m2 (commercial farm, n = 32,000; initial BW = 42.89±0.31; Arbor Acres), respectively. A basal diet typical of commercial standards was developed to meet or surpass the nutritional requirements outlined by the National Research Council (NRC) for broiler chickens. The control group was housed for 29 days to compare productivity and animal welfare indicators in high stocking density (20.3 birds/m2) as per livestock industry regulations and low stocking density (16.7 birds/m2) according to animal welfare standards. During the grower periods (21-29 days) and the overall period (0-29 days) of the experiment, feed intake and body weight were lower in the lower stocking density group (.05). Additionally, the feed conversion ratio significantly improved at the lower stocking density. By day 29, the average footpad dermatitis score, litter moisture, NH3; concentration, and feather cleanliness were significantly higher at the higher stocking density. Corticosterone concentrations decreased by 2.35% at the lower stocking density by day 29. These results indicate that decreasing stocking density enhances the welfare and growth performance of broiler chickens, as indicated by decreases in litter moisture, footpad dermatitis, and corticosterone concentrations.
Kim, C. H., Kim, K. H., Chun, J. L., Lim, S. J., & Jeon, J. H. (2024). Animal welfare indicators and stress response of broiler chickens raised at low and high stocking density. Journal of Animal Science and Technology.
Animal welfare violations and cruelty related isues to livestock: A review.
Abstract:
This study is aiming in reviewing papers on animal welfare and cruelty related issues. From the available literature, it appears that most countries rather tend to enact legislation in line with the more realistic of the views: treating animals humanly. Animal welfare concern is limited in developing countries compared to developed nations. In the United Kingdom example, there is a strong animal welfare legislation with good compliance generally. Acceptable standards of animal welfare can be determined by legislation. In Nigeria, there is a very low and unsatisfactory level of understanding and implementation of the obligation to show concern for all aspects of animal well-being in terms of proper housing, management, nutrition, disease prevention, treatment, and handling. The World animal protection (WAP) has graded Nigeria deplorably in its recent reports of 2020, chief among the reasons for the country’s low rating is lack of a principal legislation on animal welfare. The Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) is the foremost regulator of all issues pertaining to animal husbandry in Nigeria as well as encouraging the enactment and enforcing laws. The institutes are not adequately funded to put in place the necessary facilities, equipment’s and human resources to discharge such function. Improving animal welfare may have additional benefits as many welfare problems have detrimental effects on performance and carcass quality. It has also been found to affect local and international trades. Adhearing to animal welfare guidelines can therefore increase farm profits by improving animal’s productivity and efficiency, reduce losses and can facilitate international trades.
Yakubu, N., Saidu, I., Muhammad, S., & Yakubu, U. (2024). Animal welfare violations and cruelty related isues to livestock: A review. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production.
Animal welfare with Chinese characteristics: Chinese poultry producers’ perceptions of, and attitudes towards, animal welfare.
Abstract:
China’s poultry industry faces challenges in adopting and sustaining cage-free systems for poultry production. Effective interventions are crucial to support producers transitioning from cages to alternative systems or maintaining cage-free systems to improve animal welfare. However, little is known about how Chinese poultry producers perceive animal welfare in relation to cage-free systems and the importance of animal welfare in poultry production. Through a qualitative interview study with 30 Chinese farm owners, managers and senior managers from large-scale egg and broiler farms using cages and non-cage systems (collectively referred to as “producers”), this paper explores Chinese poultry producers’ attitudes and perceptions regarding animal welfare and welfare in different poultry housing systems. Template analysis was used to analyse the data from semi-structured interviews, which generated themes related to the participants’ awareness and understanding of the concept of animal welfare, the factors that impacted their choices of different housing systems, and the perceived priorities in poultry production. The responses revealed that the participating producers had a strong awareness and knowledge of animal welfare. However, the participants’ understanding of the term is heterogeneous: generally, egg producers emphasised natural behaviours, whereas broiler producers prioritised health and productivity. Nevertheless, profitability, leadership, and organisational policies primarily influenced housing system choices rather than animal welfare values. Economic motives drove egg producers towards cage-free systems, prompted by consumers’ and companies’ demand for cage-free eggs committed to transitioning away from cages by 2025. In conclusion, tailored interventions for different poultry sectors within China are necessary. While animal welfare values matter, economic incentives seem more promising for steering the shift towards and maintaining cage-free poultry production.
Yang, Q., Dwyer, C. M., Vigors, B., Zhao, R., & Langford, F. M. (2024). Animal welfare with Chinese characteristics: Chinese poultry producers’ perceptions of, and attitudes towards, animal welfare. Plos One, 19(7), e0307061.
Automatic detection and scoring of footpad dermatitis in laying hens using machine learning models.
Abstract:
Footpad dermatitis (FPD) detection in laying hens is crucial because it indicates bird health and welfare, reflecting on the quality of the housing environment and management practices. This research introduces a groundbreaking method for automatically detecting and scoring FPD in laying hens, utilizing a 0-2 scoring scale. The objective of this study was to test and find the best models for the automated detection and scoring of FPD. This study used 170 Hy-Line W-36 hens in each of four cage-free rooms. Two GoPro Hero11 Black cameras were placed in a transparent acrylic box to protect them from laying hens and ensure clear footage of FPD. They were used for daily 2-hour recordings in all four rooms. Fifty-six hours of video footage was recorded over a week, followed by an initial manual FPD labeling. Prior to the manual labeling, this study used rigorous data preprocessing and data augmentation techniques, resulting in 3,150 labeled images. The study trained and innovated five YOLOv8 model configurations (YOLOv8n, YOLOv8s, YOLOv8m, YOLOv8l, and YOLOv8x) for testing, detecting, and scoring FPD lesions. The results showed that the YOLOv8l-FPD model demonstrated superior performance, with a precision of 92.8%, recall of 96.6%, a mean Average Precision (mAP@0.50) of 97.0%, and an F1-score of 95.0%. In addition, this model showed high accuracy across all FPD scores, with a mAP@0.50 of 98.0% for FPD 0, 95.0% for FPD 1, and 97.9% for FPD 2. These results establish the YOLOv8l-FPD model as a highly reliable FPD detection and scoring tool, offering significant implications for enhancing poultry health management and operational efficiency in poultry farming.
Bist, R. B., Bist, K., Yang, X., Paneru, B., & Chai, L. (2024). Automatic detection and scoring of footpad dermatitis in laying hens using machine learning models. 2024 Anaheim, California July 28-31, 2024, St. Joseph, MI.
Effects of the qualification of animal welfare claims in market communication on consumer purchase intentions with and without time constraints: A dual processing perspective.
Abstract:
Claims about animal welfare and other sustainability characteristics are often used in market communication to promote food products. When such claims are suspected to be deceptive, accusations of greenwashing may appear. One method to counteract greenwashing is to substantiate the claims with additional information, i.e., with qualifications. However, the effectiveness of such qualifications has been critically debated. Based on two experimental surveys carried out in Denmark on animal welfare claims for pork and chicken and their qualifications, we show that such qualifications can both reduce and enhance consumers’ evaluation of the degree of animal welfare of the product advertised. In addition, we show that the effect of such qualifications on consumers’ purchase intentions depends on whether they process the information under a time constraint – as would be typical in everyday purchasing – or not. Contrary to common assumptions, we provide evidence that a time constraint can lead to consumer information processing becoming more focussed on the qualified claim, and that this claim then has more impact on purchase intention. We interpret these effects based on dual processing theory. The results have implications for the regulation of animal welfare claims and their qualifications.
Bech-Larsen, T., Grunert, K. G., & Tsalis, G. (2024). Effects of the qualification of animal welfare claims in market communication on consumer purchase intentions with and without time constraints: A dual processing perspective. Food Policy, 126, 102670.
Faunalytics Index – July 2024.
Abstract:
This month’s Faunalytics Index provides facts and stats about black soldier fly production, the rise in pork prices in California, cage-free commitments in Africa, and more.
orzechowski, karol. (2024). Faunalytics Index – July 2024. Faunalytics.
Focus groups exploring American consumer perspectives on contemporary poultry production reveal critical insights to educate sustainable practices for producers.
Abstract:
Ensuring sustainability in poultry production is complex and requires a multifaceted approach that considers human health and food security, bird health, the environment, and society. Consumers are critical stakeholders, yet their growing disconnection from agriculture production practices complicates efforts to achieve more sustainable systems. This study aims to gain insights into consumers’ attitudes toward poultry and perceptions of contemporary production methods. Exploration of consumer perspectives would offer valuable insights that could educate producers on the priorities of the target market and make informed decisions about embracing practices to increase the sustainability of their operations. In this context, eight focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 54 multicultural participants who consume chicken and reside in Minnesota, USA. The major themes that emerged from the FGDs include (1) purchasing and consumption habits, (2) concerns regarding production methods, (3) the impact of social, religious, and cultural factors, (4) familiarity with poultry production practices, and (5) the importance of educating consumers. The study revealed that convenience, affordability, and health benefits are positive drivers of poultry consumption. While participants exhibited a greater preference for the flavor of dark (leg and thigh) meat, they often chose breast meat for its ease of preparation and perceived health benefits. Concern for human health tended to take precedence over ethical claims associated with animal welfare. Furthermore, misconceptions emerging from skepticism and unfamiliarity with regulations and the labeling of poultry products may deter the acceptability of higher costs. Many participants identified knowledge gaps and sought science-based information from reliable sources. They conveyed the necessity of outreach and education for consumers in more engaging and accessible forms of communication. The well-established reputation of poultry as a healthy, convenient, and affordable source of protein is the main driver for its consumption. Learning the attributes they believe are significant and underlying motivations or obstacles to consumption can be beneficial in developing effective strategies to promote the adoption of sustainable practices. Enhancing consumer understanding of sustainable poultry production could influence their acceptance and readiness to absorb the additional costs associated with it.
Dewi, G., Smith, C., Martin, W., Venkitanarayanan, K., & Kollanoor Johny, A. (2024). Focus groups exploring American consumer perspectives on contemporary poultry production reveal critical insights to educate sustainable practices for producers. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8.
Postscript to invertebrate welfare: “We have met the enemy and he is us.”
Abstract:
Through this collection of papers, we have considered in depth the effects that humans have on invertebrate welfare in a variety of contexts. For instance, we have discussed how these effects manifest in breeding or display facilities and in testing and research laboratories, as well as in the wild. The articles comprising this collection, though few, span species of different phyla and in conditions, yet they represent only a sample of contexts relevant to this research topic. To facilitate this discussion, we have grouped these scenarios into representative tables. For those who know little about invertebrates, References [1,2] provide ample background for a sufficient understanding.
Winlow, W., Mather, J., & Cosmo, A. D. (2024). Postscript to invertebrate welfare: “We have met the enemy and he is us.” Animals, 14(14), 2082.
Space use of free-range laying hens on two outdoor ranges with different amounts of vegetation cover.
Abstract:
Consumers’ awareness of animal welfare in farm animal husbandry – including laying hen systems – increased in the last few decades. As a result, more and more farmers in Austria changed from barn systems to free-range husbandry. However, lack of structure and protective cover in the outdoor area might cause poor use of major parts of the outdoor range. Since the ancestor of domestic chicken – the red junglefowl – inhabits dense jungle forests with manifold ground vegetation, the structural design of an outdoor area might be of high importance for laying hens. To examine this assumption, a 15×15 m grid of barrier tape was brought out on the ground of the outdoor ranges of two commercial free-range laying hen farms that differed in the amount of vegetation cover they provided. Using action cams, we took pictures of each quadrant in ten-minute intervals from 09:00 h to 21:00 h for a total of three full days. We ran GAMs for each farm separately with number of hens per quadrant and interval as dependent variable, and vegetation cover (yes/no) and position (edge/centre) of the quadrant, distance to the shed (in m), as well as temperature (in °C) as predictors. Date, time, and quadrant ID were included as smooth terms. We found a more even and widespread use of space of hens on the outdoor range with a large amount of vegetation cover (farm 1) compared to the range with a small amount of vegetation cover (farm 2). However, the number of hens decreased with increasing distance to the shed on both farms. Hens preferred edge over centre quadrants on the range of farm 1, but preferred centred quadrants with vegetation cover over those without cover on the range of farm 2. On the ranges of both farms, the number of hens decreased with increasing temperature on quadrants without vegetation cover, whereas no such effect was found for covered quadrants. These findings suggest vegetation cover to be a key factor for extensive range use, particularly in view of the expected increase in temperature due to climate change. Therefore, we recommend farmers to provide hens with highly structured outdoor ranges, not only to improve range use but also to offer hens a more species-appropriate environment, which is assumed to increase the hens’ welfare as well.
Deutsch, M., Dalseg, I. K., Kuchling, S., Sefc, K. M., Erregger, B., & Kalcher-Sommersguter, E. (2024). Space use of free-range laying hens on two outdoor ranges with different amounts of vegetation cover. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 277, 106353.
Aquatic animal welfare
Evaluating a crowding intensity scale and welfare indicators for Atlantic salmon in sea cages.
Abstract:
A 5-level crowding intensity scale for directing and auditing the crowding of Atlantic salmon in sea cages based on surface observations is currently included in standards, manuals, and guidelines for fish farmers. Here we test the feasibility of using this scale to create distinct crowding levels, the effects of these different levels upon fish welfare, and the suitability of a set of possible operational welfare indicators (OWIs) and laboratory-based welfare indicators (LABWIs) to be included in toolboxes for monitoring and assessing fish welfare in relation to the crowding of salmon in sea cages. Crowding level 1 was not included in this study since this is a very light level of crowding, and also not level 5 as this level clearly would harm the fish and lead to mortalities. We were able to use the scale to create three distinct crowding levels in two of three separate crowding events in 12×12m2 sea cages. Although the farm personnel were experienced, it soon became evident that underwater monitoring of fish behaviour and how the net was tightened around the fish was important to make sure that no pockets or irregularities that could harm the fish were formed during the crowding. Despite evidence of increased stress and epidermal damage with increased crowding intensity, there were no clear indications that this led to any long-term detrimental effects on fish welfare. In conclusion an OWI-toolbox for crowding should include both surface and underwater observations, monitoring of oxygen conditions, and morphological injury data to steer decisions to prevent welfare problems and mortalities. In addition, qualitative assessment of fish behaviour, plasma cortisol, and skin histology can be included in a LABWI-toolbox if more in-depth information on the effects from the crowding is wanted.
Stien, L. H., Nilsson, J., Noble, C., Izquierdo-Gomez, D., Ytteborg, E., Timmerhaus, G., & Madaro, A. (2024). Evaluating a crowding intensity scale and welfare indicators for Atlantic salmon in sea cages. Aquaculture Reports, 37, 102211.
Farmed fish welfare research status in Latin America: A review.
Abstract:
Latin America (LATAM) plays an important role in the world’s production of aquatic animals and is the second most productive region in the world. Chile, Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Perú contribute 87% of LATAM aquaculture production. The fish welfare in aquaculture is of increasing public concern globally, and LATAM is no exception, growing in importance for fish farmers, authorities, and scientists. Although the topic is somewhat controversial, the welfare status of farmed fish has direct implications for their production and the sustainability of the industry. Therefore, this study analyses scientific papers on animal welfare in farmed fish, from the six countries in LATAM with the highest aquaculture production. The main objectives were to quantify the number of papers published between 2000 and 2023 on fish welfare by using scientific databases. A total of 285 papers were found for the period analysed. The country with the largest number of publications was Brazil (75.79%), followed by Chile (13.33%), Mexico (7.02%), Peru (1.75%), Ecuador, and Colombia (1.05%). Nile tilapia was the most studied species, appearing in 30.18% of the publications, with most of the studies mainly dealing with nutrition (32.28%). The growth of aquaculture is leading to joint efforts to generate knowledge on welfare issues, especially in poorly studied species with high production, to create policies that help minimize welfare risks. Given this, the insights generated by this review could be a useful addition to approaches investigating the trends and concepts of fish welfare in LATAM.
Linares-Cordova, J. F., Roque, A., Ruiz-Gómez, M. de L., Rey-Planellas, S., Boglino, A., Rodríguez-Montes de Oca, G. A., & Ibarra-Zatarain, Z. (2024). Farmed fish welfare research status in Latin America: A review. Journal of Fish Biology.
Tracking biomarkers for the health and welfare of aquaculture fish.
Abstract:
Aquaculture production has been growing consistently over the last few decades to meet the increasing animal protein demand of the human population. However, increased production and rearing intensities raise the challenges of guaranteeing fish health and welfare, which is essential to avoid losses and ensure product quality. Biomarkers can provide insights into the fish’s nutritional, physiological, and health status, and aid in the evaluation of early nutritional and physiological imbalances, distress conditions, and pathological diagnosis. The discovery and validation of biomarkers rely mostly on the use of information provided by different parameters, including biochemical, metabolic, or immunologic, as well as several omics, from genomics and transcriptomics to proteomics and metabolomics. In this review, a summary of the main biomarkers used in aquaculture is provided along with an overview of the main omics technologies available for further biomarker research. This review also highlights the need to develop non-lethal biomarkers that can easily and quickly be measured to provide a prompt response to producers.
Oliveira, J., Oliva-Teles, A., & Couto, A. (2024). Tracking biomarkers for the health and welfare of aquaculture fish. Fishes, 9(7), 289.
Attitudes toward veg*nism
Costly, confusing, polarizing, and suspect: Public perceptions of plant- based eating from a thematic analysis of social media comments.
Abstract:
Introduction: A key approach to fostering more sustainable food systems involves shifting dietary patterns towards increased plant-based eating. However, plant-based eating remains low among Canadians. The objective of this research was therefore to explore public perceptions of plant-based eating in a Canadian context.
Methods: A qualitative design was used to analyze social media comments posted on Canadian news source Facebook articles between January 16th, 2019 – July 16th, 2020. Investigating perceptions of plant-based eating on social media may capture a broader sample of the population than can be captured using other qualitative methods. Template analysis, a type of codebook thematic analysis, was used to generate themes and subthemes using NVivo software.
Results: Nine articles were selected for inclusion and a total of n = 4,918 comments were collected. Five themes and 19 subthemes related to plant-based eating were generated and presented with quotations. Themes included: (1) The ethics of food; (2) The affordability and accessibility of food; (3) Distrust of food system stakeholders; (4) Beliefs related to dietary behavior, health, and the environment; and (5) Sensory aspects of plant-based proteins.
Discussion: Findings suggest that addressing food affordability and accessibility, increasing public food literacy, using non-judgmental approaches, and increasing food system transparency and communication may be strategies to foster plant-based eating. Results of this study provide insight for the development of more effective public health messaging about plant-based eating and help inform future research and interventions to address barriers related to plant-based eating and promote consumption.
Eckert, K. F., Douglas, S., Zhang, F., Brauer, P., Duncan, A. M., & Haines, J. (2024). Costly, confusing, polarizing, and suspect: Public perceptions of plant- based eating from a thematic analysis of social media comments. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8.
Climate change and sustainability
A risky business? Climate change and meat reduction in Aotearoa New Zealand: A media framing analysis.
Abstract:
The reduction of red meat in high-income countries is an impactful climate action and necessary to balance the projected growth of meat consumption in middle-income countries. Aotearoa New Zealand (herein Aotearoa) is a high-income country with elevated per capita greenhouse gas emissions. This research presents a media framing analysis of 58 news media stories on meat reduction as a climate action. It illuminates how arguments are constructed rhetorically and debates about meat reduction made convincing. Within Aotearoa media, a “risk” frame has been adopted for both pro meat reduction and anti-meat reduction positions. Arguments favoring reduction considered the risks of meat consumption to both human health and ecological systems. Arguments against meat reduction focused on risks to humans, relying on nutritional science to support claims. Both positions emphasized individual action and responsibility, presenting dietary “choice” as the foremost way to manage risk. In doing so, structural changes such as government policy change or food regulation were de-emphasized.
Booth, A., Breheny, M., & Blake, D. (2024). A risky business? Climate change and meat reduction in Aotearoa New Zealand: A media framing analysis. Environmental Communication, 1–16.
Awareness and willingness of Chinese households to reduce carbon footprint in daily life.
Abstract:
With the rapid urbanization process and an increase in living standards, household energy consumption has become a primary driver of high energy consumption and carbon emissions, leading to a gradual rise in household carbon footprints. Over the past two decades, the carbon footprint of Chinese households has accounted for more than 40% of the total carbon emissions from primary energy utilization. Factors such as residential types, energy consumption patterns, dietary habits, and family composition play significant roles in reducing carbon footprints in daily life. Therefore, this study assesses the willingness of Chinese households to reduce carbon emissions in their daily lives. Based on geographical location, households are categorized into the Northeast, East, North, Central, South, Southwest, and Northwest regions. We utilize six categories: transportation, housing, food, daily goods, waste, and energy, to determine the trends, influencing factors, and overall regional comparative analysis of household carbon footprints.
The results indicate that knowledge about household carbon footprints can lead to a slight reduction in carbon emissions, with households familiar with carbon reduction concepts emitting 26 kg less carbon than those who are not. Furthermore, promoting low-carbon behaviours can further reduce household carbon footprints, with neighbourhoods that frequently promote low-carbon knowledge having a 4% higher carbon reduction capability than others. Overall, the Northeast region has the highest per capita household carbon footprint, indicating relatively higher per capita carbon emissions in that region. The Southwest region follows while the North China region has the lowest per capita household carbon footprint, possibly due to higher energy efficiency in that area. Household income is positively correlated with carbon emissions, and residents in high-income areas may lean towards high-carbon-emission foods like meat and dairy products, consuming fewer low-carbon options such as grains and vegetables. Regarding the willingness to reduce carbon footprints, most households tend to prioritize energy consumption pattern reduction in the Central region, while the North China region prioritizes comfort over carbon reduction. Among the seven regions, 90% of people show a willingness to save energy, with the East region displaying the strongest commitment to carbon reduction. In terms of carbon reduction awareness, the East region shows a higher willingness compared to other regions.
The differences in household carbon footprints across regions reflect the combined impact of various factors, including economic development levels, consumption patterns, energy efficiency, and transportation methods. Higher household income is typically associated with higher consumption patterns and energy usage, leading to larger carbon footprints. Therefore, to reduce carbon emissions, Chinese households need to consider strengthening low-carbon promotion efforts and formulating and improving practical and implementable carbon reduction policies.
An, N., Huang, C., & Yao, J. (2024). Awareness and willingness of Chinese households to reduce carbon footprint in daily life. AESOP Annual Congress Proceedings.
Climate and biodiversity impact of beef and lamb production: A case study in Sweden.
Abstract:
CONTEXT
The climate impact of meat production is a hotly debated topic. What is less often highlighted is that grazing ruminants can have positive impacts on biodiversity.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to use a life cycle perspective to assess both the climate and biodiversity impact of different beef and lamb production systems in Sweden.
METHODS
Applying a life cycle perspective, a quantitative method to assess biodiversity was used, with a scoring system based on land use. For the climate impact calculations, the ClimAg biophysical systems model was used, including emissions from drained organic soils and carbon sequestration in mineral soils. The functional unit was 1 kg carcass weight.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
The results indicated large differences in biodiversity and climate impact between the production systems studied. Dairy bulls had relative low emissions of greenhouse gases, but also a low biodiversity score (a high score indicates higher level of biodiversity). Beef breed steers and heifers had higher emissions of greenhouse gases but a higher biodiversity score, suggesting a trade-off between climate and biodiversity impact. Also for lamb meat, greenhouse gas emissions vary among production systems. A system with winter born lambs slaughtered in spring, closely followed by spring born lambs slaughtered in autumn, had the lowest emissions, while spring born lambs slaughtered in winter had the highest emissions. Winter lambs on the other hand, had a relatively high biodiversity score, due to a long rearing period and an extensive land use with a high proportion of semi-natural grasslands.
Climate impact was in all systems related to methane from enteric fermentation, emissions from manure storage, and emissions from organic soils. With the assumptions made in this study, soil carbon sequestration is suggested to reduce the climate impact by 5–7% of the total emissions. Biodiversity impact was in all systems positively related to the amount of grazing in permanent grasslands, in particular semi-natural grasslands. Because semi-natural grasslands are among the most species rich terrestrial ecosystems in Europe, a large surface area grazed resulted in high biodiversity scores in the present model.
SIGNIFICANCE
This study used a novel approach for biodiversity assessment, where the positive contribution of semi-natural grasslands to biodiversity was quantified and put in relation to the modelled climate impact.
Ahlgren, S., Wirsenius, S., Toräng, P., Carlsson, A., Seeman, A., Behaderovic, D., Kvarnbäck, O., Parvin, N., & Hessle, A. (2024). Climate and biodiversity impact of beef and lamb production: A case study in Sweden. Agricultural Systems, 219, 104047.
Differences in the cost and environmental impact between the current diet in Brazil and healthy and sustainable diets: A modeling study.
Abstract:
Background: While healthy and sustainable diets benefit human and planetary health, their monetary cost has a direct impact on consumer food choices. This study aimed to identify the cost and environmental impact of the current Brazilian diet (CBD) and compare it with healthy and sustainable diets.
Methods: Data from the Brazilian Household Budget Survey 2017/18 and the Footprints of Foods and Culinary Preparations Consumed in Brazil database were used for a modeling study comparing the cost of healthy and sustainable diets (based on the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines (BDG) diet and the EAT-Lancet diet) versus the CBD. The DIETCOST program generated multiple food baskets for each scenario (Montecarlo simulations). Nutritional quality, cost, and environmental impact measures (carbon footprint (CF) and water footprint (WF)) were estimated for all diets and compared by ANOVA. Simple linear regressions used standardized environmental impacts measures to estimate differentials in costs and environmental impacts among diets scenarios.
Results: We observed significant differences in costs/1000 kcal. The BDG diet was cheaper (BRL$4.9 (95%IC:4.8;4.9) ≈ USD$1.5) than the CBD (BRL$5.6 (95%IC:5.6;5.7) ≈ USD$1.8) and the EAT-Lancet diet (BRL$6.1 (95%IC:6.0;6.1) ≈ USD$1.9). Ultra-processed foods (UPF) and red meat contributed the most to the CBD cost/1000 kcal, while fruits and vegetables made the lowest contribution to CBD. Red meat, sugary drinks, and UPF were the main contributors to the environmental impacts of the CBD. The environmental impact/1000 kcal of the CBD was nearly double (CF:3.1 kg(95%IC: 3.0;3.1); WF:2,705 L 95%IC:2,671;2,739)) the cost of the BDG diet (CF:1.4 kg (95%IC:1.4;1.4); WF:1,542 L (95%IC:1,524;1,561)) and EAT-Lancet diet (CF:1.1 kg (95%IC:1.0;1.1); WF:1,448 L (95%IC:1,428;1,469)). A one standard deviation increase in standardized CF corresponded to an increase of BRL$0.48 in the cost of the CBD, similar to standardized WF (BRL$0.56). A similar relationship between the environmental impact and the cost of the BDG (CF: BRL$0.20; WF: BRL$0.33) and EAT-Lancet (CF: BRL$0.04; WF: BRL$0.18) was found, but with a less pronounced effect.
Conclusions: The BDG diet was cost-effective, while the EAT-Lancet diet was slightly pricier than the CBD. The CBD presented almost double the CF and WF compared to the BDG and EAT-Lancet diets. The lower cost in each diet was associated with lower environmental impact, particularly for the BDG and EAT-Lancet diets. Multisectoral public policies must be applied to guide individuals and societies towards healthier and more sustainable eating patterns.
Caldeira, T. C. M., Vandevijvere, S., Swinburn, B., Mackay, S., & Claro, R. M. (2024). Differences in the cost and environmental impact between the current diet in Brazil and healthy and sustainable diets: A modeling study. Nutrition Journal, 23(1), 71.
Exposing the environmental risks of octopus farming.
Abstract:
Eurogroup for Animals and Compassion in World Farming are calling for an end to plans for the world’s first commercial octopus farm. Permit applications have revealed the severe animal cruelty and environmental harm it would cause.
Nueva Pescanova, a Spanish seafood company, submitted a simplified environmental impact assessment to establish an on-shore octopus farm in the Canary Islands, Spain. The Canary Islands Government has rejected this application due to its potentially significant environmental impacts, demanding a more comprehensive impact assessment.
In this case study, we delve into the reasons behind this decision and highlight the company’s failure to adequately address these critical environmental risks.
Europgroup for Animals, & Compassion in World Farming. (2024). Exposing the environmental risks of octopus farming. Eurogroup for Animals.
Food choice, activity level, and carbon footprint: exploring potential for sustainable food consumption practices in young adults.
Abstract:
This study aims to explore climate consciousness in relation to food consumption in young adults, examining its relationship with physical activity level and gender. A mixed-method approach is utilized, integrating seven-day food records and semi-structured interviews, employing social practice theory in our analytical framework. Our cohort of 47 participants (25 women, 22 men) displays varied diets, from omnivores to vegans. Moderately-active women show the lowest carbon footprint, favoring climate-conscious choices related to lower energy needs and plant-based preferences. Highly-active individuals consume more energy, resulting in a higher carbon footprint. Gender differences are evident, women were inclined to climate-conscious food practices motivated by animal ethics and health concerns. Conversely, men demonstrated a tendency for meat consumption. Participants share an understanding of carbon footprint, reflecting a solid awareness of food-related climate impact but differ in priorities; performance for highly-active, and economy for moderately-active. This highlights a mix of commonalities and distinctions, informing flexible, sustainable food practices. Higher activity levels are linked to greater energy needs and a higher carbon footprint. Moderately-active women show the most climate-conscious food choices, leading to the lowest carbon footprint. Our findings indicate that highly-active individuals and men have significant potential to improve climate-adapted food consumption.
Wollmar, M., Post, A., & Sjöberg, A. (2024). Food choice, activity level, and carbon footprint: exploring potential for sustainable food consumption practices in young adults. Frontiers in Nutrition, 11.
Going green in stages: Psychological processes behind intention formation and action for climate mitigation.
Abstract:
Mitigating the climate crisis requires changes to policy, business, and consumer behaviour in favour of sustainability. For consumers, use of private motor vehicles and consumption of meat and dairy are high-impact behaviours. To assist behaviour change, it is useful to understand where in the process of change people currently are and what motivates the next step. In a pre-registered study using a representative sample of adults (N = 1200), we measure ‘stage of change’ for transport and diet behaviours, then test the relationship between stage of change and a battery of psychological variables informed by previous theoretical and empirical research. Our modelling approach allows us to test whether the variables associated with change depend on the stage an individual is moving to and from. The models reveal that, for both transport and dietary behaviours, people who intend to change worry more about climate change and feel more morally responsible to act than people who see no need to change. Acting on intentions is associated with holding a strong environmental identity. We also find differences between the two behaviours in the variables associated with stage of change. For example, positive environmental attitudes predict intentions and actions only for transport behaviour, whereas belief in the effectiveness of collective action predicts intention to change diet. Sociodemographic predictors of change also differ between behaviours: urban dwellers are more likely to act on transport intentions, while being a woman predicts intentions and action for dietary change. Other psychological variables cited in the literature have little association with change, including social norms and belief in individual responsibility. The results show the benefit of conceptualising behaviour change as a multi-stage process.
Andersson, Y., Timmons, S., Lee, M., & Lunn, P. D. (2024). Going green in stages: Psychological processes behind intention formation and action for climate mitigation.
How substituting red meat with soybean can help China to achieve healthy and environmental goals?
Abstract:
In the current Chinese diets, merely 14% of residents adhere to the recent dietary guidelines. The excessive consumption of red meat presents significant health and environmental challenges, leading to increased pressure on protein feed imports. This study proposes a pragmatic solution wherein the entire population partially replaces red meat with soybeans in China, and evaluates the impacts. Employing meta-analysis and counterfactual analysis, we investigate the correlations between food intake and disease risk, calculating avoidable mortality and the associated disease burden. Consuming 50g/day of soybeans may prevent 1.2 million deaths annually, saving $250.74 million indirect costs and $3.52 billion in direct medical expenses. Through substituting, completely eliminating the population exceeding 100g daily red meat intake in China could preventing 0.28 million deaths, and saving $247.66 million indirect and $2.06 billion direct medical costs. Furthermore, utilizing a partial equilibrium model, we projected the regional impacts and costs of following the recommended soybean consumption on water use, land use, carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus emissions. Through dynamic data validation, estimating a 19.6% reduction in carbon emissions, 5.4% less water use, 26.2% lower nitrogen footprint, and 24.6% less phosphorus footprint. These findings offer valuable evidence for improving agricultural economic policies and strategies in China.
Yuan, Z., Fan, S., Zhang, Y., Wang, J., & Meng, T. (2024, August 7). How substituting red meat with soybean can help China to achieve healthy and environmental goals? IAAE 2024 Conference.
Planetary health diet compared to dutch dietary guidelines: Nutritional content and adequacy.
Abstract:
In 2019, the EAT-Lancet Commission proposed a Planetary Health Diet (PHD) to address challenges toward sustainable and healthy diets. However, its suitability within the Dutch context and a comparison with the Dutch Dietary Guidelines (DDG) needs investigation. Our study aimed to compare the PHD with DDG in terms of food groups, servings, nutritional content, and adequacy in adults. We modeled two theoretical diets, the PHD (PHD-NL) and another based on the DDG (DDG-NL), using the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (FCS-2016) and Dutch Food Composition Database to calculate the nutritional content and compared it with the Dutch Dietary Reference Values (DRVs). The PHD included higher quantities of vegetables, fish, legumes, and nuts, while the DDG suggested more significant amounts of cereals, tubers, starchy vegetables, dairy, and red meat. We observed differences in macronutrient distribution; while both diets lacked sufficient vitamin D, calcium content was lower in the PHD-NL. The PHD-NL had higher levels of fiber, vegetable protein, unsaturated fats, and non-heme iron, while vitamins B2, B6, B12, and calcium were lower than the DDG-NL diet. The PHD-NL has nutritional adequacy in the Dutch context, except for vitamin D and calcium, although it is essential to be cautious with iron because of the bioavailability of non-heme iron in plant-based diets. These findings have implications for the adoption of a sustainable diet according to nutritional requirements, population health status, and sociocultural context, as well as compliance with specific dietary behaviors of populations.
Uriza-Pinzón, J. P., Verstraete, F. F., Franco, O. H., Artola Arita, V., Nicolaou, M., & Van der Schouw, Y. T. (2024). Planetary health diet compared to dutch dietary guidelines: Nutritional content and adequacy. Nutrients, 16(14).
Province-specific sustainable diets in China considering nutrition, environment, affordability, and acceptability.
Abstract:
Sustainable dietary transition is widely identified essential in addressing the nutrition, environment, and health trilemma. This is particularly important for China, the world’s most populous country which is undergoing a rapid dietary structure change. Here, we used a nonlinear optimization algorithm to identify a nutritionally adequate, environmentally friendly, economically affordable, and culturally acceptable diet for each of the 31 provinces in mainland China. We found that province-specific dietary shifts could reduce the carbon, water, land, nitrogen, and phosphorus footprints of China’s food consumption by 9.5–25.3%, 10.7–19.1%, 22.4–32.9%, 30.8–40.2%, and 21.4–34.5%, respectively, while meeting the daily recommended intake of essential nutrients and not exceeding current food expenditures. The variation in required food intake was highly province-specific; however, in general, there was a need to reduce the intake of meat, grains, and edible oils and increase the intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes, tubers, and dairy products. Our findings highlight the importance of province-specific diet optimization, which can greatly improve acceptance and feasibility of sustainable dietary transition, guide individuals to change their food consumption behavior, and inform policymakers towards regionally tailored food policies.
Wang, R., Xiong, F., Cheng, G., Wang, H., & Liu, G. (2024). Province-specific sustainable diets in China considering nutrition, environment, affordability, and acceptability. Journal of Cleaner Production, 468, 143141.
Sustainable future food demand: Integrating social, health, and environmental considerations in forecasting.
Abstract:
Predicting future food demand and understanding its environmental and dietary ramifications are vital for ensuring food system sustainability in an equitable manner. Existing forecasting methods often overlook societal diversity and do not connect projected food demand with its socio-environmental implications. This paper introduces a framework for forecasting a nation’s future food demand with considerations for socio-demographics and dietary preferences, along with potential dietary and environmental implications. Israeli household expenditure surveys spanning two decades (1997–2017) representing over 120,000 households were used to explore a series of potential food purchase scenarios for the period up to 2030 and the nutritional and environmental footprints of subgroups. These subgroups included small and large families, young couples, the elderly, and wealthy adult households. Three dietary scenarios based on expected socio-demographic changes were then examined: “Environmental,” “Healthy,” and “Mediterranean” scenarios. All examined scenarios predicted a surge in food demand by 18 to 22 % for the period of 2018–2030. The “business-as-usual” (BAU) scenario emphasizes the expected rise in the consumption of meat, oil products, and food outside the home, leading to a 20 % rise in greenhouse gas emissions. In comparison, in the case of the Healthy scenario, emissions are expected to rise by 22 %, and according to the Environmental scenario by only 10 %. Significant differences were also discovered across various social groups in regard to the analyzed dietary and environmental indicators. Although the study focuses on Israel, the proposed framework’s universality makes it adaptable to any country. This could empower policymakers and stakeholders to craft food security informed decisions and targeted interventions that address the needs of diverse social groups while considering socio-environmental implications both presently and in the future.
Damari, Y., Avital, K., Tepper, S., Shahar, D. R., & Kissinger, M. (2024). Sustainable future food demand: Integrating social, health, and environmental considerations in forecasting. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 49, 354–361.
Dietary change interventions
Changes in diet quality and adherence in college students after a 3-week whole-food plant-based vegan diet intervention.
Abstract:
Background: Research has demonstrated college students form unhealthy dietary habits that may persist into adulthood and increase the risk for chronic diseases. Eating a whole-food plant-based vegan (WFPBV) diet is one health behavior shown to improve physical and mental health outcomes and prevent, manage, and even reverse chronic conditions.
Objective: To assess change in diet quality and adherence to a WFPBV diet among college students following a 3-week WFPBV diet intervention.
Study Design, Settings, Participants: This study, part of the larger diet and health study conducted at a southeastern public university with college students (N=40), employed a stratified, randomized control trial (2 intervention groups, 1 control group). The intervention was designed using an integration of the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social-Cognitive Theory. Three consecutive weekly nutrition education lunch-and-learn sessions (75 minutes each) were delivered using 2 different teaching modalities, ie interactive-experiential (IE) vs. lecture-based (LB). The Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ) was used to measure dietary intake pre- and post-intervention.
Measurable Outcome/Analysis: DSQ results were used to calculate Plant-Based Natural (PBN) and Animal-Based Processed (ABP) scores at baseline and post-intervention. PBN scores were calculated by summing intakes of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains (range 3-12). ABP scores were calculated by summing intakes of dairy products, red and processed meats, and added sugars (range 5-20). Higher PBN and lower ABP scores post-intervention indicated greater adherence to a WFPBV diet and better overall diet quality. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess change in total and component PBN and ABP scores from baseline to post-intervention.
Results: Significant changes in mean ABP scores (p=0.003) but not PBN (p=0.89) were observed between groups from baseline to post-intervention. The greatest reductions in mean ABP scores were among the intervention groups (⧍ IE: 2.34, LB: 3.71, Control 0.07).
Conclusions: Though adherence to a WFPBV diet was not fully supported, a significant reduction in ABP scores indicates diet quality was improved for the intervention groups.
Isaacs, S., Bogardus, M., Young, A., Thompson, M., & Wu, S. (2024). Changes in diet quality and adherence in college students after a 3-week whole-food plant-based vegan diet intervention. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 56(8), S15–S16.
Documentary films can increase nationwide interest in plant-based food.
Abstract:
Plant-based diets can help mitigate climate change. We investigated longitudinal effects of popular media that encourage plant-based diets from diverse perspectives, including health, environment, and animal welfare. We systematically searched for the most popular such media, which were all films. In initial correlational analyses, Google search interest for the films explained the majority (73%) of variance in search interest for plant-based food, but was not associated with consumption of meat or of plant-based alternatives. In primary analyses using pre-registered causal inference models that controlled for confounding, we estimated that each 1-SD increase in search interest for the health-focused films What the Health (2017), The Game Changers (2018), and You Are What You Eat (2024) increased search interest in plant-based food by 43%, 11%, and 11% respectively in the following week. These results can inform communication approaches for ongoing efforts of governments and other organizations encouraging sustainable diets.
thomas, anna, Hope, J. E., & Mathur, M. B. (2024). Documentary films can increase nationwide interest in plant-based food.
Effects of a cafeteria-based sustainable diet intervention on the adherence to the EAT-Lancet planetary health diet and greenhouse gas emissions of consumers: A quasi-experimental study at a large German hospital.
Abstract:
Background: Sustainable diets contribute to improving human health and reducing food-related greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). Here, we established the effects of a facility-based sustainable diet intervention on the adherence to the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet and GHGE of consumers.
Methods: In this quasi-experiment, vegan menus and educational material on sustainable diets were provided in the largest cafeteria of a German hospital for 3 months. Regular customers (> 1/week) in this cafeteria (intervention group) and in all other hospital cafeterias (control group) completed a questionnaire about their sociodemographic and dietary characteristics before and after the intervention period. We calculated difference-in-differences (DID), their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and p-values for the adherence to the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI; 0–42 score points) and food-related GHGE. The protocol was registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (reference: DRKS00032620).
Findings: In this study population (N = 190; age range: 18–79 years; women: 67%; highest level of formal education: 63%), the mean baseline PHDI (25·1 ± 4·8 vs. 24·7 ± 5·8 points) and the mean baseline GHGE (3·3 ± 0·8 vs. 3·3 ± 0·7 kg CO2-eq./d) were similar between the intervention (n = 92) and the control group (n = 98). The PHDI increase was 0·6 points (95% CI: -0·4, + 1·6) higher in the intervention group than in the control group. This trend was stronger among frequent consumers of the vegan menu than among rare and never consumers. No between-group difference was seen for GHGE changes (DID: 0·0; 95% CI: -0·2, + 0·1 kg CO2-eq./d).
Interpretation: Pending verification in a longer-term project and a larger sample, this quasi-experiment in a big hospital in Germany suggests that offering vegan menus and information material in the cafeteria enhances the adherence to healthy and environmentally friendly diets among regular customers. These findings argue for making sustainable food choices the default option and for improving nutrition literacy.
Harrison, L., Herrmann, A., Quitmann, C., Stieglbauer, G., Zeitz, C., Franke, B., & Danquah, I. (2024). Effects of a cafeteria-based sustainable diet intervention on the adherence to the EAT-Lancet planetary health diet and greenhouse gas emissions of consumers: A quasi-experimental study at a large German hospital. Nutrition Journal, 23(1), 80.
Predictors of meat reduction: The case of Slovenia.
Abstract:
Health, environmental, and animal advocacy organisations emphasise reducing or eliminating high meat consumption due to its adverse effects on health, sustainability, climate change, and animal welfare. Increasingly, people are deciding to reduce their meat consumption frequency. Our study aimed to examine predictors of meat reduction among Slovenian consumers, focusing on gender, age, partner and children status, size of residential settlement, socioeconomic status, and political orientation. We conducted a survey using non-probability sampling. We examined demographic, socioeconomic, and political predictors of individuals’ self-assessed intent to reduce meat consumption in the month following the survey. Additionally, we analysed respondents’ meat reduction during the three years prior. A correlation analysis revealed that higher age and education levels were significantly positively correlated with meat reduction patterns. An ordinal logistic regression analysis indicated that age was the only significant predictor of meat reduction intentions and past behaviour. Our findings suggest that middle-aged and elderly individuals are more likely than younger adults to report meat reduction behaviours. Future public health interventions should tailor approaches to different age groups, and, in particular, target younger individuals. Educational campaigns should highlight the health and environmental benefits of reducing meat and animal product consumption, particularly in primary and secondary schools.
Kirbiš, A., Korže, V., & Lubej, M. (2024). Predictors of meat reduction: The case of Slovenia. Foods, 13(15).
Tactics In practice: The science of plant-based defaults and nudges.
Abstract:
Faunalytics’ Research Liaison Björn Ólafsson takes a deep dive into research on the wide world of nudges, revealing best practices and possible pitfalls.
Ólafsson, B. (2024b). Tactics In practice: The science of plant-based defaults and nudges. Faunalytics.
Willingness to reduce animal product consumption: Exploring the role of environmental, animal, and health motivations, selfishness, and animal-oriented empathy.
Abstract:
Increasing the willingness to reduce animal product consumption has the potential to contribute to ameliorating the impact of animal agriculture on the environment, as well as foster healthier diets and improve the lives of farmed and wild animals. Reduction of animal product consumption is a prosocial behaviour (PSB), and factors that are considered to influence it are empathy and selfishness. In this research, animal-oriented empathy examined empathy specifically for animals. Animal oriented empathy and three types of selfishness: adaptive, egoistic, and pathological were measured to determine if they could predict willingness to reduce animal product consumption. PSB is also influenced by motivations and motivations can lead to willingness. The three most common motivations to reduce animal product consumption: animal welfare, the environment, and health were examined to determine whether they predict willingness. A sample of 492 Australian adults completed questionnaires via the Zoho survey platform, and the data underwent a hierarchical regression. Higher pathological selfishness predicted a greater willingness to reduce animal product consumption, as did environmental and animal welfare motivations. However, higher health motivation predicted a lower willingness to reduce animal product consumption. Interpretation of the perplexing results in relation to pathological selfishness suggested further research. The practical value of utilising environmental and animal motivations to increase willingness to reduce animal products whilst bringing attention to the health issues was also discussed.
Dillon-Murray, A., Ward, A., & Soar, J. (2024). Willingness to reduce animal product consumption: Exploring the role of environmental, animal, and health motivations, selfishness, and animal-oriented empathy. Food Ethics, 9(2), 20.
Food systems
Preventing factory farming in Africa: Strategic considerations.
Abstract:
The rise of intensive animal agriculture across Sub-saharan Africa demands attention from animal advocates. This report provides a roadmap for effective animal advocacy in Africa by offering a detailed analysis of the current landscape and trajectory of animal agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa, and outlining strategic advocacy recommendations.
Guided by a country prioritisation framework, we focus on three specific countries: Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia. We conducted extensive desk research on the issues affecting animal agriculture in these countries, as well as nine in- depth interviews with African stakeholders and experts in veterinary science, epidemiology, sociology, economics, and alternative proteins. We then synthesised our findings in five key frameworks: PESTLE, SWOT, stakeholder maps, scenario planning, and our analysis of the key arguments.
Couture, A. (2024). Preventing factory farming in Africa: Strategic considerations. Bryant Research.
Human-animal relations
Barriers to achieving invertebrate justice.
Abstract:
In this chapter, I consider some of the principal barriers to achieving invertebrate justice. First, I consider whether efforts to achieve invertebrate justice are, ultimately, too demanding, and thus futile. Although I believe that there are significant challenges to bringing about better outcomes for invertebrates, I argue that this is not a futile task. I then consider, in turn, some of the important psychological, social, and institutional factors that might make the realisation of invertebrate justice especially challenging. The human tendency towards speciesism, a lack of knowledge concerning invertebrates, and negative emotional reactions towards many invertebrate species make transforming our relations to invertebrates difficult. However, given important individual and cultural differences in the way that we treat animals in general, and invertebrates in particular, invertebrate justice is potentially achievable. In order to make substantial progress, however, we will need to address strong corporate vested interests in maintaining the status quo, especially in the context of the global food system. We will also need to systematically address government policies and laws relating to non-human animals.
Durrant, R. (2024a). Barriers to achieving invertebrate justice. In Invertebrate Justice: Extending The Boundaries of Non-Speciesist Green Criminology (pp. 301–337). Springer Nature Switzerland.
De-anthropocentrification now: A call for problematizing revisions of human-animal positions in social thought.
Abstract:
This article adds to an evolving literature arguing for revised human-animal positions in social thought. It elaborates on how writings fundamental to the modern human world ought to be problematized for their anthropocentric assumptions. It offers a way forward for approaching such “de-anthropocentrification” methodologically, and for the social sciences to thereby adjust their impact for sustainable futures. An implicit debate about the applicability of social constructionist theory to nonhuman animals provides an exemplary case to highlight the need for this turn in social thought. The article thus argues for the grand theory of social constructionism being applicable to a wide range of nonhuman animals too, and how this could have extensive consequences for embedding human abilities and experiences in a wider cosmos of social life and its unfolding.
Imbrogiano, J.-P. (2024). De-anthropocentrification now: A call for problematizing revisions of human-animal positions in social thought. Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy, 20(1).
From MilkingBots to RoboDolphins: How AI changes human-animal relations and enables alienation towards animals.
Abstract:
Technologies, especially disruptive technologies, have a great potential to change and reshape human-human as well as human-technology relations. This creates various ethical challenges that need to be addressed. However, technologies also have great potential to change human-animal relations. Since this aspect is underexplored in the academic debate on technologies’ impact on relations, we believe that it is important to (1), descriptively, study how new and emerging technologies impact human-animal relations, and (2), normatively, to enrich the debate with a non-anthropocentric perspective that recognizes that human-animal relations also have moral significance. Therefore, in this paper we investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and robotics impact human-animal relations, and we discuss the moral significance of these changes. AI technologies change human-animal relations due to, first, automation, and second, replacement processes. Automation processes mainly take place in the animal agriculture sector, and the replacement of biological animals with artificial AI-driven animals mainly in the context of zoos, companion animals and laboratories. We address both processes (automation and replacement), thereby providing an overview of how the use of AI technologies will—or can—change human-animal relations, at both the individual and societal levels. While doing so, we highlight the morally significant aspects that come along with such changes and provide first thoughts on which uses of AI are welcomed from a perspective of human-animal relations.
Bossert, L. N., & Coeckelbergh, M. (2024). From MilkingBots to RoboDolphins: How AI changes human-animal relations and enables alienation towards animals. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11(1), 920.
Qualitative methods in psychology after the animal turn: Human-animal and multi-species relations.
Abstract:
This article makes the case for the value of qualitative methods in advancing our understanding of human-animal relations and multispecies relations in psychology, introducing the first special issue of a journal dedicated to qualitative psychology and the field of human-animal studies. It offers a thematic summary of the articles organized into four sections. Each section includes a reflection on the methods adopted in the context of broader developments in human-animal studies. To do so, Gorman’s conceptualisation of mutualistic, parasitic, mutualist and commensal relations is utilised, as a basis for deciding whether the methods adopted allow us to consider ‘who benefits and how’ from the human-animal and multispecies relationships scrutinised in this issue. Particularly in showcasing qualitative methods that centre the experience and agency of animals where they have traditionally been discounted, it is concluded that this special issue constitutes a significant moment in the development of psychology as a discipline.
Adams, M. (2024). Qualitative methods in psychology after the animal turn: Human-animal and multi-species relations. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 1–14.
Towards invertebrate justice.
Abstract:
In this, final, chapter I outline a series of approaches that can be employed to realise invertebrate justice. I argue that both individual level and system level changes are required. We need to implement strategies that will improve people’s general knowledge of, and attitudes towards, invertebrates, highlighting a key role for education and the development of invertebrate friendly approaches to the way people manage their homes, gardens, and lifestyles. These changes should be viewed as part of a wider social and cultural transformation in our appreciation of invertebrate life. Although individual and social changes are important, they will not be enough. It is essential that we work towards policy and legal changes that advance the rights of sentient invertebrates. The more widescale inclusion of invertebrates in national animal welfare laws will be an important first step in, ultimately, building towards the recognition of fundamental rights for all sentient animals, including sentient invertebrates. I conclude by considering a number of other cross-cutting changes that, although not directly focused on invertebrates, would serve to advance the cause of invertebrate justice. These include a transformation of the global food system towards plant-based diets and pesticide free agricultural practices, and reforms to political processes to limit the influence of global corporations and create fairer and more democratic societies. Although the full realisation of invertebrate justice may not be achieved in the near future, there is ample scope to make changes that will improve outcomes for invertebrates, humans, and the environment.
Durrant, R. (2024b). Towards invertebrate justice. In Invertebrate Justice: Extending The Boundaries of Non-Speciesist Green Criminology (pp. 339–371). Springer Nature Switzerland.
Why do we love pandas and hate cockroaches?
Abstract:
This review explores the intricate interplay of human emotions towards different animal species. It delves into the contrasting feelings we harbor towards appealing animals like pandas and our aversion towards others like cockroaches. Drawing from the evolutionary ethnobiology perspective, it uncovers how biophilia and biophobia, deeply rooted in our evolutionary past, shape our reactions to various species. We also examine the role of the Behavioral Immune System (BIS) in our aversion to pathogen-carrying arthropods, the impact of educational interventions on changing attitudes toward wildlife, and the influence of animation on human memory and attention. We underscore the significance of understanding these psychological mechanisms in conservation strategies. We highlight how the evolutionary naturalist mind, influenced by ancestral threats and contemporary challenges, is pivotal in fostering a more harmonious coexistence with nature.
Albuquerque, U. P., & Silva, J. V. M. (2024). Why do we love pandas and hate cockroaches? Ethnobiology and Conservation, 13.
Movement research
An international study of advocates’ strategies & needs.
Abstract:
Animal advocacy organizations employ diverse strategies to support farmed animals that range from individual action all the way up to large-scale national interventions. This diversity in tactics creates a need for impact evaluation—while much of the advocacy research measures the effectiveness of various approaches or develops related theories of change, less attention has been paid to understanding why organizations prefer certain strategies, decide to adopt new ones, or stick to what they know. Using a survey of over 190 animal advocacy organizations in 84 countries and six small focus-group discussions, this study aims to understand the diverse approaches taken by farmed animal protection groups globally, focusing on how and why organizations choose to pursue these advocacy strategies.
Faunalytics, & Stennett, J. (2024). An international study of advocates’ strategies & needs.
Research round-up: A guide for farmed animal sanctuaries.
Abstract:
In this resource, created in collaboration with the Open Sanctuary Project, we gather together research insights to help farmed animal sanctuaries do their valuable work.
Ólafsson, B. (2024a). Research round-up: A guide for farmed animal sanctuaries. Faunalytics.
Politics, law, and social change
Driving public support for a meat tax: Fiscal policies and behavioral interventions.
Abstract:
Taxing meat optimally is a first-best policy outcome to internalize environmental harms. However, meat taxes often lack public and governmental support. Recent research indicates that support for meat taxes can be improved by combining behavioral nudges with fiscal measures. In this study, we test this claim in a preregistered between-within-subjects experiment using a representative sample of the Dutch (N=2,032) population. The Netherlands is currently considering a meat tax legislation, thereby making our study timely and policy relevant. Participants were randomly assigned to a treatment condition in a 2×2 experimental setup, varying across a framing nudge (“tax” versus “levy”) and a reflection (“yes” versus “no”) dimension. Subsequently, all participants engaged in a discrete choice experiment where they selected their preferred meat pricing policy from six sets of choice cards. Each card included random variations in levels of four attributes: meat pricing (costs), revenue recycling, policy coverage, and pricing rationale. We find that policy support increases with greater revenue recycling and broader policy coverage but decreases as costs rise. The rationale behind pricing does not alter public support substantially. Importantly, we find no significant difference in public support across the different behavioral nudge or reflection treatments. Our experimental findings underscore the importance of policy design in enhancing support for meat taxes. The effective design of a meat tax is crucial, as superficial changes, such as behavioral nudges, may not be sufficient to sway public opinion.
Erhard, A., Banerjee, S., & Morren, M. (2024). Driving public support for a meat tax: Fiscal policies and behavioral interventions. University of Göttingen.
How innovation-friendly is the EU Novel Food Regulation? The case of cellular agriculture.
Abstract:
We systematically analyze how the EU’s Novel Food Regulation affects food innovation in the European Union (EU) with a specific focus on cellular agriculture. We employ an original analytical framework based on innovation systems theory and triangulate legal analysis with stakeholder perceptions collected through EFSA’s stakeholder consultations, expert interviews and an original stakeholder survey. Our results show that several aspects of the regulation impede entrepreneurial experimentation, resource mobilization and market formation. The robust safety assessment by EFSA in principle contributes to the legitimation of the technology but does not address key sustainability concerns. This creates potential for “legal disruption” in the broader context of the food system transformation. We argue that relatively minor changes to the Novel Food Regulation could increase its innovativeness without compromising food safety or compliance with EU primary and WTO law. Experimental regulation in the form of “regulatory sandboxes” could help to identify more innovation-friendly solutions and address sustainability concerns regarding cellular agriculture.
Reinhardt, T., & Monaco, A. (2024). How innovation-friendly is the EU Novel Food Regulation? The case of cellular agriculture.
How well do Defra’s new farm support policies promote animal welfare?
Abstract:
Defra’s Sustainable Farming Incentive directs farm support payments towards public goods which include healthier, higher welfare animals.
This policy briefing looks at the likely animal welfare impact of two current elements
1) The Annual Health and Welfare Review
2) Animal Health and Welfare capital grants under the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF)
D’Eath, R. (2024). How well do Defra’s new farm support policies promote animal welfare? SEFARI.
Right-wing backing a meat tax? Experimental evidence from Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands.
Abstract:
Meat consumption and the willingness to reduce it is closely linked to one’s political ideology and convictions. Contrary to standard beliefs suggesting that left-leaning individuals are predisposed towards meat reduction policies, more than those in the center or right, we show these political divisions depend on the specifics of the policy and shouldn’t be taken as the absolute norm. Using a conjoint experiment involving nationally representative samples from Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands (N=1,505), we find no significant differences in support for a hypothetical meat tax policy among participants of varying political ideologies. Interestingly, after controlling for country fixed effects and covariates, we find that right-wing voters support the meat tax policy significantly more than left-wing voters. Specifically, a shift towards the ideological right is only associated with diminished support when the policy includes a direct or indirect revenue recycling mechanism, accounts for the negative impacts of meat production in its costs, and emphasises environmental concerns over health. Predicted policy support can be further explained by differing levels of Schwartz’s human values. Based on our findings, we argue that the politicisation of meat should acknowledge these nuanced differences, as electoral support may not uniformly align across all domains.
Banerjee, S., & Morren, M. (2024). Right-wing backing a meat tax? Experimental evidence from Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. Research Square.
The value of undercover investigations in aiding legal victories for animals.
Abstract:
Evidence from undercover investigations can be crucial in supporting legal action for animals. Isabella Nilsson from Legal Impact For Chickens explores the issue.
Nilsson, I. (2024). The value of undercover investigations in aiding legal victories for animals. Faunalytics.
Veg*ns and advocates
A dynamic identity process approach to veg*nism: Does identity status matter among meat‐reducers?
Abstract:
The current study investigated meat-reducers’ (vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian) dietary identities using an identity process approach. Drawing on identity development theories, we aimed to (i) classify meat-reducers from the United Kingdom and United States (N = 375) based on their level of identity exploration and commitment, and (ii) examine the effect of dietary identity status on diet and group-based behaviours. Findings demonstrated evidence for three identity clusters: achieved (high exploration and high commitment), foreclosed (lower exploration and higher commitment), and diffused (low exploration and low commitment) meat-reducers. Vegans were more likely to display an achieved dietary identity, whereas the majority of flexitarians indicated a diffused identity. More importantly, identity status had significant effects on all outcome measures, with achieved meat-reducers reporting greatest dietary strictness, greatest centrality and private regard, but lowest public regard, as well as most negative attitudes towards meat-eaters and greatest activism. We discuss how investigating dietary identities with a ‘process framework’ may point to a more inclusive view of social identities among people who follow a plant-based diet.
Bagci, S. C., & Yilmaz, A. D. (2024). A dynamic identity process approach to veg*nism: Does identity status matter among meat‐reducers? Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 34(4).
Our Sources
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Meat AND behavior
Meat AND behaviour
Meat AND attitudes
Meat AND preferences
Meat AND consumption
Meat AND reduction
Cultured meat
Cultivated meat
Clean meat
In vitro meat
“Cellular agriculture”
Plant based meat
Plant based diet
Veganism
Vegetarianism
Animal advocacy
Animal welfare
Aquatic animal welfare
Fish welfare
Speciesism
“Human-animal relations”
July 2024
by Erika Alonso - 1 minute read