Abstract: This review synthesized findings from randomized controlled trials, observational studies, economic modeling analyses, and consumer spending data published between 2000 and 2025. Evidence indicates that whole-food plant-based diets are generally associated with lower food expenditures than omnivorous diets across diverse geographic contexts. Despite this, consumer misperceptions about cost persist as significant barriers to adoption, particularly in high-income countries. In middle-income countries, economic modeling frequently projected substantial cost reductions when shifting toward plant-based patterns.

Goldman, D., & Nagra, M. (2026). Cost and affordability of plant-based diets: Global evidence from 2000 to 2025. Academia Nutrition and Dietetics. https://doi.org/10.20935/AcadNutr8137

Abstract: Reducing meat consumption has the potential to improve both population and planetary health, however approaches to this have not been fully explored, particularly in the British Muslim community. British Muslims consume more meat than the average British person and face disproportionate diet related health risks. This study explored the barriers and facilitators towards British Muslims reducing meat consumption by increasing consumption of plant-based foods. The qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 15 British Muslims from Greater Manchester. Two themes were identified. ‘Islamic Teachings and Food Choices’ highlighted how Islamic teachings and practices gave religious significance to meat and taught foundational ethics that could encourage plant-based diets. ‘The Value of Meat’ explored perceptions of the elevated status of meat, influenced by beliefs about health, socio-economic status, and sociocultural norms. This study emphasised the importance of culturally relevant dietary interventions considering religious beliefs and community norms.

Mulla, Z., & Coupe, N. (2026). Halal and Healthy: A qualitative study of British Muslim perspectives on meat consumption and plant-based diets. Appetite, 108496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2026.108496

Abstract: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among 1,371 adults across all seven emirates of the UAE to assess meat consumption frequency, awareness of sustainability, willingness to reduce meat intake, and preferences for meat alternatives. Participants reported frequent red-meat consumption. Only 7% expressed strong willingness to reduce meat intake, with health concerns (49.4%) being the most common motivation. Environmental (17.4%) and animal welfare (10.7%) concerns were less frequently reported. Cultural norms (44.2%) and taste preferences (33.5%) were leading barriers to meat reduction.

Cheikh Ismail, L., Kassem, H., Hashim, M., Hasan, H., Osaili, T. M., Mohamad, M. N., Zeb, F., Al Daour, R., Stojanovska, L., & Al Dhaheri, A. S. (2026). Perceptions and willingness to reduce meat consumption among consumers in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional analysis. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 10, 1622234. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2026.1622234

Abstract: The aim of this study was to understand farmers’ views on animal welfare in Ukraine and Azerbaijan, and to identify key issues in general and in each country. A questionnaire with 14 questions was used to survey 58 farmers from Ukraine and 71 farmers from Azerbaijan. Farmers in both countries considered it necessary (60.3%) to improve animal welfare, were largely convinced (90%) that financial compensation from the state was necessary. Ukrainian farmers (50.9%) responded that animal welfare was not sufficiently taken into account in government policies while Azerbaijani farmers (53.5%) agreed that animal welfare was given the appropriate level of importance in the country’s legislation. The study shows that the level of awareness among farmers in the two countries is quite different and in some cases contradictory.

Kravchenko, O., Åsbjer, E., Matvieiev, M., Mammadov, A., Ojaghi, J., Höxter, S. T., Staaf Larsson, B., Khalilova, I., Getya, A., Hryshchenko, N., Karlsson, A. H., Wie, H., Arney, D. R., Leming, R., Carnovale, F., Ansone, L., Ribikauskas, V., & Zamaratskaia, G. (2026). A comparative analysis of farmers’ attitudes toward animal welfare in Ukraine and Azerbaijan. Journal of Rural Studies, 123, 104045. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2026.104045

Abstract: This paper demonstrates that good animal welfare is a strategic investment, highlighting its role in fostering economic resilience, sustainability and competitiveness in the European Union. Improved animal welfare reduces production costs, enhances product quality, drives innovation and strengthens global market positioning. By aligning policy with existing public demand for change, animal welfare represents the pathway to economic and ethical leadership in the European Union and beyond.

Eurogroup for Animals. (2025, February). Animal welfare, economic prosperity: Unlocking shared opportunities. https://www.eurogroupforanimals.org/library/animal-welfare-economic-prosperity-unlocking-shared-opportunities

Abstract: A nationally representative online survey of adults from 18 EU member states, conducted January 7–30, 2026 by Savanta for Eurogroup for Animals, explored public views on animal welfare across Europe. The poll provides updated data on European citizens’ attitudes toward animal welfare standards, including views on farm animal welfare, animal testing, and wildlife protection. The findings are intended to inform EU policy discussions around the anticipated revision of animal welfare legislation.

Savanta & Eurogroup for Animals. (2026). Animal welfare poll in EU member states 2026. https://savanta.com/knowledge-centre/press-and-polls/animal-welfare-poll-in-eu-member-states-2026-eurogroup-for-animals-3-february-2026/

Abstract: Growing consumer concern about animal welfare has led to increasing demand for eggs produced under higher welfare standards. This trend is also reflected in the development of numerous animal welfare labelling schemes for laying hens across Europe. Although there is heterogeneity, certain animal welfare indicators show consistency across the standards, such as requirements for the provision of perches, nests, lighting regime and access to range and pasture. Welfare is enhanced compared to conventional, and in some cases even to organic laying hen husbandry by providing a detailed framework and clear implementation guidelines for each provision. Emphasis is placed on environmental enrichment. However, critical welfare issues remain either insufficiently addressed or entirely overlooked, including transport conditions, depopulation methods, the culling of male chicks, and the welfare of breeder layers. Also, incorporating requirements on maximum accepted mortality rates and positive human–animal interaction could contribute to a more comprehensive welfare assessment. When combined with collaboration among stakeholders, including public and private entities, and improved consumer education on animal welfare, labelling on animal welfare could be a promising approach to ameliorating the welfare of laying hens in production systems.

Papageorgiou, M., Karageorgou, A., Goliomytis, M., Tzamaloukas, O., & Simitzis, P. (2026). Comparing welfare criteria across labelling schemes for laying hens in Europe. Discover Animals, 3(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44338-026-00167-1

Abstract: Farm animal welfare is assessed for compliance with legislation and labelling schemes, to evaluate the impacts of management change and for animal welfare research. Here, we ask: how can we assess how the animal experiences its life on farm? Animal welfare is what the animal experiences and spans from very negative to very positive emotional states. Welfare is influenced by nutrition, the environment, health and the behavioural interactions that animals have, integrated through the impacts that these have on the mental state of the animal. Whilst we can often readily measure and describe the conditions under which the animal is housed on farm (inputs), and the physical state of the animal within these conditions, these are not sufficient to tell us what the animal is experiencing. The Gold Standard for animal welfare, therefore, would be a measure that tells us something about the mental state of the animal. Currently, this is not considered a directly measurable entity, and it may remain a hypothetical rather than a realistic construct in welfare assessment. Thus, welfare assessment relies on a series of measurable outputs, or indicators, that serve as proxies for the welfare state. Emotional state and welfare are then inferred from these measures. Animal-based measures are considered the most relevant to understanding animal experience, although these require rigorous assessment of the validity and reliability of measurement. Many animal-based measures rely on the assessment of behaviour. These may be ongoing changes in response, such as approach or avoidance, facial expression, Qualitative Behaviour Assessment and circadian rhythms or complex patterns of behaviour, such as preferences, motivational priorities, or perceptions, which allow deeper insight into the likely mental state of the animal. Many measures are only suitable for research purposes at present and can be challenging to assess on farm, but some may be amenable to the use of sensors or automated methods in the future. These have technological and ethical challenges to overcome and require an understanding of what is being measured and how this relates to the animal’s mental state but may offer opportunities for continual assessment of animal behaviour and welfare in the future. Currently, however, theoretical understanding of animal welfare, particularly positive welfare and cumulative ‘Quality of Life’, is not well-captured in existing on−farm welfare assessment. We conclude that there is a need for a more comprehensive and integrated approach to the development of methods that can truly address the animal’s experience on farm.

Dwyer, C. M., Jørgensen, G. H. M., & Gautier, J. M. (2026). Review: How do we measure welfare on farm? Indicators, proxies and gold standards. Animal: An International Journal of Animal Bioscience, 101790. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2026.101790

Abstract: In the context of sustainable food systems, increased attention has been directed towards livestock farming, with animal welfare identified as a key concern. The justifications used by farmers for their livestock practices have been examined in Norway, where animal welfare regulations often exceed EU standards and public trust in agriculture remains high. Data were collected through four qualitative focus group interviews. We found that animal welfare was primarily framed within the logic of food production and economic viability and that farmers positioned themselves as producers of a common good, such as food security and rural sustainability. Boundaries were drawn between those considered knowledgeable and those perceived as lacking practical experience. We conclude that farmers’ justifications were shaped by their social identity and their institutional context and that while concern for animals as sentient beings was expressed, practices were largely legitimized using the animals’ role in food production.

Logstein, B., & Ellingsen-Dalskau, K. (2026). Justifications for farm practices and animal welfare among Norwegian livestock farmers. Journal of Rural Studies, 123, 104047. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2026.104047

Abstract: Air quality is important for animal welfare, especially for barn-housed broilers. This study investigated how fluctuations in climate parameters during individual fattening periods affect broiler welfare under practical conditions. We equipped 2 farms with sensors and recorded NH3 and CO2 concentrations, temperature, and relative humidity. The results showed that NH3 concentrations stayed low at the beginning of a fattening period and increased towards slaughter age, whereas CO2 accumulated at the beginning. Fattening periods with elevated NH3 concentrations showed altered risks for foot pad dermatitis and hock burn. The study demonstrates that the dynamic of the 2 pollutant gases is complex and both gases need to be monitored. Continuous monitoring offers valuable insights for improving housing conditions.

Heck, J., Rauch, E., Piller, A., Schiller, B., Erhard, M., Schmidt, P., & Louton, H. (2026). Levels of two pollutant gases, temperature, and relative humidity and their influence on broiler welfare. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 35(2), 100694. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2026.100694

Abstract: Indicators of dairy cow welfare are important for the future assessment and improvement of cow welfare on-farm. The objective of this study was to investigate three categories of non-invasive physiological parameters as potential indicators of welfare in dairy cows, namely cumulation of cortisol in the hair, variability in heart rate (HRV), and variability and composition of milk yield, while taking personality traits into account. The worsening housing led to an increase in heart rate and a decrease in milk yield. The housing effects on HRV and other milk-derived indicators were affected by the personality traits of activity, fearfulness and sociability. These results point to HRV and milk-derived indicators as providing interesting physiological indicators of dairy cow welfare which will warrant further research.

Kremer, L., van Reenen, K., Kok, A., Bokkers, E. A. M., Gort, G., Engel, J., van der Werf, J. T. N., & Webb, L. E. (2026). Non-invasive physiological indicators of welfare in dairy cows. Animal Welfare, 35, e10. https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2026.10063

Abstract: There is no universally accepted definition of quality of life (QoL) or welfare in animals. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are often treated as distinct concepts. The “Five Freedoms” have long served as a basis for assessing animal welfare, especially in livestock, while QoL is a term more commonly used in companion animal care, focusing on the animal’s subjective experience. Research has shown that veterinarians tend to better assess medical or pain-related aspects of welfare, whereas animal caretakers often have better insight into the animal’s psychological state, suggesting the benefit of combining the two perspectives. Validated questionnaires are essential for thorough evaluations, as they account for the many dimensions of QoL or welfare. Generally, questionnaires can be classified into two main types: disease-specific tools and generic instruments. Disease-specific questionnaires can detect small changes in animals with a certain disease, while generic instruments are less sensitive but can be used in animals, regardless of their health status. In human medicine, generic instruments have been developed that convert QoL into a single numerical value, also called “utility.” One of these instruments has been preliminarily created for use in dogs, i.e., the “dog health utility index.”

Poulsen Nautrup, B. (2026). Quality of life and animal welfare. In Outcomes research in animal health care (pp. 121–132). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-12587-3_12

Abstract: Pain reduces an animal’s quality of life (QoL), is a welfare concern (Belshaw Z, Yeates J. Vet J 239:59–64, 2018; Muir WW. Equine Vet J 45:653–655, 2013) and in many circumstances, alleviating pain in farmed animals is an important element in improving their welfare. Effective pain mitigation in any farmed species begins with an appreciation of their capacity to feel pain and to suffer and then, an ability to recognise species-specific pain signs. Being unable to verbally communicate means animals predominantly demonstrate their pain experiences to observers through altered behaviour, and only under biologically appropriate conditions. Consequently, many pain behaviours may be subtle rather than ostentatious. Conscientious caregivers, i.e. owners, paid stockpersons and veterinarians, must be able to recognise these behavioural indicators of pain. The communication of pain and suffering to human observers may elicit emotional and caring responses (Hadjistavropoulos T, Craig KD, Duck S, Cano A, Goubert L, Jackson PL, Mogil JS, Rainville P, Sullivan MJL, Williams ACDC, Vervoort, Fitzgerald. Psychol Bull 137:910–939, 2011), but how humans contextualise animal pain will be influenced by numerous factors, including their broader attitudes to animals, personal experiences and attitudes to pain in general. Internal biases and attitudes towards pain may influence how a caregiver responds to observing a farm animal in pain. Caregivers with more negative or less useful attitudes towards pain in farm animals may not be motivated to alleviate pain and suffering. In these caregivers, it is important to understand how caregiver attitudes can be influenced to support positive changes in behaviour and subsequent improvements in farm animal welfare. To elucidate the processes whereby observer bias may arise and the influence of caregiver attitude on treatment of pain in farm animals, this chapter will consider: (1) What are attitudes? (2) Animal characteristics which influence attitude to pain in farm animals; (3) Caregiver characteristics that influence attitude to pain in farm animals.

Duncan, J. (2026). The effects of human attitudes on farmed animal pain and its management. In R. E. Clutton & G. C. Musk (Eds.), Pain and suffering in farmed animals (pp. 77–86). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-11407-5_5

Abstract: This Scientific Opinion assesses the welfare of turkeys of all ages (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo) on farm in relation to the type and condition of the litter, type and availability of enrichment (including covered veranda and outdoor range), space allowance, concentrations of ammonia and carbon dioxide, effective environmental temperature, group size, nest conditions, lighting conditions and hatchery conditions, by using 19 welfare consequences and associated animal-based measures (ABMs) for their assessment. In addition, the risks posed by the practices of flock thinning and removal of hens, mutilations (i.e. beak trimming, desnooding and toe trimming), artificial insemination (including semen collection) and feed restriction are assessed, with the latter two practices only in turkey breeders. The welfare consequences of breeding is assessed. Recommendations to prevent and/or mitigate relevant welfare consequences in fattening and breeder turkeys include increasing space allowance compared to the currently provided space, avoiding feed and water deprivation of newly-hatched poults for more than 48 h, and providing enrichment such as elevated platforms, straw-bales and a covered veranda. It is recommended to maintain dry litter conditions, i.e. below a threshold of 35%–40% humidity. Beak trimming, desnooding and toe trimming as well as the associated welfare consequences can be avoided if the recommended housing and management practices are implemented, e.g. increasing space allowance and providing suitable enrichment. It is recommended to discontinue flock thinning and avoid quantitative feed restriction, the latter currently practised in breeder toms. Also, it is recommended to place more emphasis on leg health and less on weight gain in genetic selection. The selected ABMs to monitor relevant welfare consequences at the slaughterhouse are total mortality, plumage damage, carcass condemnation, wounds, breast blisters and footpad dermatitis.

EFSA Panel Animal Health and Animal Welfare (AHAW), Nielsen, S. S., et al. (2026). Welfare assessment of turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo) on farm. EFSA Journal, 24(2), e9851. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.9851

Abstract: Aquatic animal products are vital to global food security and nutrition, necessitating accurate, scalable, and non-destructive methods for quality assessment in aquaculture. Conventional techniques such as dissection and biochemical analysis are invasive, labor-intensive, and unsuitable for real-time or high-throughput decision-making. This review synthesizes six major categories of non-destructive technologies—electrical, spectroscopic, natural sensory, acoustic, radiographic, and infrared and microwave—classified by their underlying sensing mechanisms and therefore differing measurement capabilities and deployment feasibilities. To support objective technology selection, an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) framework was developed using general performance criteria (cost, accuracy, speed, usability) and one decision-critical application-specific criterion (non-invasiveness), and was demonstrated for ovarian maturation staging in mud crabs by ranking 19 candidate techniques. Accuracy had the highest weight (0.416), but non-invasiveness (0.224) and usability (0.197) substantially influenced the final ranking, illustrating how operational and welfare constraints could shift preferred solutions despite differences in analytical accuracy. Based on the global priority weights (GA), computer vision (CV) was identified as the most suitable option (GA = 0.076), balancing affordability, throughput, ease of deployment, and animal welfare compatibility, whereas high-end modalities such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR; GA = 0.073) and computed tomography (CT; GA = 0.070) were constrained by cost and operational complexity. Overall, this review–AHP–case study pipeline provides a transparent and reproducible decision-support basis for selecting non-destructive technologies across aquaculture species and quality targets.

Huang, G., Thongkaew, K., & Chaiprapat, S. (2026). A review of non-destructive technologies for quality assessment in aquaculture. Aquaculture Journal, 6(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/aquacj6010003

Abstract: Aquaculture has become the fastest-growing food production sector worldwide, recently surpassing wild-capture fisheries in total output. This rapid expansion underscores the need to ensure sustainability through robust animal welfare standards. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are increasingly adopted due to their advantages in biosecurity, water efficiency, and production control. However, these systems often expose fish to highly artificial and environmentally impoverished conditions, which may negatively affect their welfare. This article examines fish welfare in RAS through the lens of environmental enrichment (EE), arguing that its implementation is essential to address behavioral, cognitive, and physiological needs. By integrating EE into RAS design and management, it is possible to move beyond traditional homeostatic welfare models focused solely on stress reduction toward an allostatic framework that emphasizes adaptability, agency, and positive experiences. Such an approach supports the concept of providing farmed fish with a “life worth living.” The paper highlights the ethical and practical implications of enrichment strategies and emphasizes their potential role in promoting sustainable and welfare-oriented aquaculture practices.

Fruscella, L., Passantino, A., & Kotzen, B. (2026). Fish welfare in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS): The imperative for environmental enrichment (EE). Animals, 16(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16040635

Abstract: The links between plant-based diets and political, social class, and religious identities were examined. With a focus on a U.S. sample, participants (N = 287 in Study 1; N = 290 in Study 2) completed an online survey with questions asking about their perceptions of group associations with vegetarianism, their actual diet practices, and their attitudes toward those who practice meat-free diets. Consistent with hypotheses, the results indicated that people associate vegetarianism more with Democrats than with Republicans, more with liberals than conservatives, more with the upper class than lower class, and more with non-Christian groups than Christian groups. Self-identified Republicans and Christians displayed more negative attitudes toward those practicing meat-free diets compared to Democrats and non-Christians. The disconnect between perceived and actual vegetarian diet practices was most notable for social class and social class groups did not differ on their attitudes toward vegans/vegetarianism. There was evidence that social dominance orientation and speciesism mediated the link between group identities and attitudes toward vegans/vegetarianism. The findings support a social identity theory-based perspective for how diet-related group stereotypes can influence diet norms and how identity can influence support for those who practice a diet consistent with a group identity. The links between diet norms and social identity have implications for strategies designed to encourage more plant-based diets.

Johnson, C., & Schreer, G. (2026). Identity and diet: Politics, religion, social class and vegetarian diet. Appetite, 108519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2026.108519

Abstract: Background/objectives: Despite increasing global interest in veganism, integrative models that incorporate ethical, environmental, and psychosocial determinants within the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) remain limited in Türkiye. This study aimed to extend the TPB by including ethical, environmental, and health-related motivations to better explain individuals’ intentions and behaviors related to adopting and maintaining a vegan diet.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among adults in Türkiye who identified with or engaged in veganism. Twelve latent variables were assessed using validated scales, and the extended model was tested through structural equation modeling with additional robustness procedures, including spline adjustments, PCA, Elastic Net regularization, and instrumental variable analyses.Results: Subjective norms and perceived behavioral control significantly predicted vegan intention, with subjective norms emerging as the strongest determinant. Ethical motivation strongly predicted intention but did not directly predict actual adherence. Unexpectedly, environmental and health motivations were negatively associated with adherence. Women reported stronger intentions despite perceiving lower social support.Conclusion: This study broadens the TPB by integrating ethical, normative, and psychosocial dimensions that explain vegan intentions beyond traditional predictors. Findings underscore the importance of moral identity, perceived social expectations, and contextual factors in shaping sustainable dietary behaviors.

Öneş, E., Gençalp, C., Avcı, G., Sipahi, S., Kahrıman, M., Yılmaz, S., & Baş, M. (2026). Veganism: An extended theory of planned behavior framework incorporating ethical, environmental, and sociodemographic determinants. Frontiers in Nutrition, 13, 1761348. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1761348

Abstract: Purpose: This narrative review synthesizes 40 interventions between 2015 and 2024 that promoted the value of consuming plant-based foods in educational institutions across high-income Western countries, with the focus on the age-specific mechanisms of value internalization. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic search was conducted in March 2024, following the PRISMA guidelines, which resulted in the retrieval of 1,045 articles from Scopus and Google Scholar. Following two rounds of title and abstract screening, 40 empirical studies were included in the analysis. A conceptual framework informed by psychological theories was deductively developed to structure the identification and synthesis of relevant literature to narratively address three research questions: (1) In which countries and by whom have these interventions promoting the consumption of plant-based foods in educational institutions been conducted? (2) What are the characteristics of the strategies employed in these interventions? (3) How do the intervention outcomes reflect differences across age groups in students’ internalization of the value of plant-based foods, and what are the potential reasons for these disparities? Findings: Workshops that combine knowledge dissemination with interactive activities have proven effective in shifting students’ attitudes towards plant-based foods across all educational stages (primary, secondary or tertiary). Strategies emphasizing the sustainable value of plant-based foods show consistent success among students above secondary school, correlating with their advancing logical reasoning and moral development.

Yan, W., Sipiläinen, T., & Banterle, A. (2026). Age matters: A narrative review of school-based interventions to promote the value of plant-based food in high-income Western countries. British Food Journal, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-02-2025-0198

Abstract: We argue that while profound dietary change and systemic transformation are widely acknowledged as urgent, current behavioral science approaches remain too incremental and hesitant to meet the scale of sustainability challenges. Most studies start with the status quo, focus on narrow or short-term behaviors, and prioritize small interventions or nudges over transformative interventions. This has created what we refer to as an “aspiration-action gap”: a distance between the urgent calls for significant dietary change—particularly reduction in meat consumption—and the predominantly cautious and gradual interventions applied in food consumer behavior studies. We call for a shift toward bolder and broader behavioral science. “Bolder” highlights the need for more decisive attention to ambitious dietary change, particularly substantial reductions in the overconsumption of animal-based foods. This requires taking a different, more far-reaching aspirational end-goal within study designs. “Broader” emphasizes embedding behavior change in systemic or contextual approaches, shifting attention from individual responsibility to structural and institutional levers. We illustrate why the current situation makes the incremental and small steps such an attractive perspective, and subsequently highlight perspectives for change, including a focus on moving beyond the status quo, on long-term behavior change, as well as on interdisciplinary research. All in all, we advocate for future behavioral science that embraces boldness—i.e., moving beyond incrementalism—and broadness—i.e., taking contextual-level factors that constrain or enable dietary shifts into account.

Onwezen, M. C., & Dagevos, H. (2026). Bolder and broader: Turning behavioral science to more ambitious dietary change. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2026.1774253

Abstract: While extensive research has examined factors influencing dietary behavior change, relatively little is known about what supports individuals in successfully maintaining such changes. Ramadan fasting (RF) provides a unique context to explore both context-specific and transferable factors underlying successful short-term dietary behavior change, as many individuals are expected to complete the full one-month fasting period. The current qualitative study aimed to identify the primary and secondary drivers of successful short-term dietary behavior change by examining the subjectively experienced motivations, barriers, and coping strategies among adults engaging in RF. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 adults at three time points: before, during, and at the end of Ramadan. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and interpreted through the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model. Six overarching themes emerged: (1) Religion and Spirituality, (2) Social-Structural-Related Factors, (3) Physical and Mental Sensations, (4) Capability, (5) Food-Related Factors, and (6) Health and Weight Management. Findings revealed that adherence was primarily driven by religious obligation, spiritual meaning, and collective participation, factors unique to the Ramadan context, while capability, social support, self-regulation, and habit formation emerged as secondary, transferable drivers that supported maintenance and may extend to other dietary contexts. Successful behavior change resulted from the dynamic interaction of motivation, opportunity, and capability. These findings suggest that interventions aiming to promote sustained dietary change may benefit from aligning behavioral goals with individuals’ core values, fostering social reinforcement, and supporting habit development through repeated practice.

Chaaban, N., Faris, M., Byrne, D. V., & Andersen, B. V. (2026). Drivers and barriers of successful short-term dietary behavior change. Appetite, 108468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2026.108468

Abstract: This study investigated how nudging strategies impact food selection behaviors among university students, focusing on promoting plant-based protein options (i.e., tofu) in a real-world cafeteria setting. Grounded in nudge theory, this two-phase research applied choice architecture to implement three distinct nudges—nutritional labeling (label effect), strategic placement of plant-based options (position effect), and awareness campaigns (exposure effect)—and assess their effectiveness in influencing dietary choices. Employing an iterative research design, phase 1 of this study used a survey to explore students’ preferences and perceptions of plant-based proteins. The insights from the survey guided and informed the design of phase 2, a 7-week observational field intervention measuring food selections before, during, and after the application of nudges. Results indicated that combined nudges significantly increased the selection of plant-based options and reduced meat-based choices, with effects persisting post-intervention. This study offers evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, school administrators, and food service operators seeking to promote healthier eating behaviors in higher education environments.

Detrick, R., Kim, J., Lee, E., Touchstone, E., Yu, Y., Jia, M., & Rusli, L. (2026). Healthy habits on campus: A field study of nudge-based interventions to promote healthier food choices. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 18(1), e70117. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.70117

Abstract: Background: Plant-based diets are associated with reduced cardiometabolic risk and lower systemic inflammation. Nurses, as the largest group of healthcare professionals, play a central role in health education; however, limited research has examined healthcare providers’ own adoption of plant-based diets and related knowledge, particularly in Asian healthcare settings. This study addresses this gap by examining dietary patterns, plant-based diet knowledge, and associated occupational and health factors among healthcare providers in Taiwan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and July 2024 at a Buddhist teaching hospital in southern Taiwan. Using convenience sampling and self-administered, data was collected from 344 healthcare providers, exceeding the minimum sample size required for multivariable regression and proportionally representing major professional groups within the hospital. Knowledge of plant-based diets was the primary outcome, while white blood cell and monocyte count, commonly used clinical indicators of systemic inflammatory status, were examined as secondary outcomes. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results: Participants included nurses (n = 175, 50.9%) and other healthcare professionals. Most followed an omnivorous diet (n = 281, 81.7%), while 18.3% (n = 63) adhered to a plant-based diet. Nurses demonstrated lower knowledge scores than other professionals (mean 5.7 vs. 6.4, p < .001). Only 38.4% answered more than half of the knowledge correctly, and 71.3% relied on non-professional information sources. Adherence to a plant-based diet was associated with lower white blood cell and monocyte counts, suggesting a more favorable inflammatory profile within clinically normal reference ranges. In regression analyses, higher knowledge scores were independently associated with plant-based diet adherence (β = 0.277), fixed daytime work schedules (β = −0.154), physician-confirmed diagnoses (β = 0.128), and access to non-professional information sources (β = −0.110) (all p < .05). Conclusion: Despite frequent abnormal health check-up findings, adoption of plant-based diets and related knowledge were limited among nurses. This well-powered hospital-based study provides novel evidence from a Buddhist healthcare context and highlights the need for targeted nutrition education and supportive workplace strategies to strengthen nurses’ health literacy and dietary counseling capacity.

Shen, C.-H., Lin, M.-N., Chang, C.-H., Chen, C.-J., & Chen, M.-Y. (2026). Knowledge and determinants of plant-based diet adoption among healthcare providers in a Buddhist teaching hospital. Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition, 45(1), 57. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-025-01231-4

Abstract: This study from Pax Fauna examines whether messaging about foie gras production practices influences consumer attitudes and behavior toward chicken consumption, exploring potential spillover effects of animal welfare messaging across different animal product categories.

What does foie gras messaging do to chicken consumption? Pax Fauna. (2026). https://paxfauna.org/what-does-foie-gras-messaging-do-to-chicken-consumption/

Abstract: Animal advocates continue to be captivated, curious, and cautious about AI, sometimes all at once. This blog looks at the present state of AI within the animal protection movement, where advocates are doing well, and where more caution is needed.

AI in animal advocacy: Promise, peril, or patience? Faunalytics. (2026). https://faunalytics.org/ai-in-animal-advocacy-promise-peril-or-patience/

Abstract: This month’s Faunalytics Index provides facts and stats about wildlife crime in Hispanic America, the effectiveness of vegan documentaries, teen attitudes toward animal experimentation, and more.

Faunalytics Index – February 2026. Faunalytics. (2026). https://faunalytics.org/faunalytics-index-february-2026/

Abstract: Across the animal advocacy movement, there’s growing recognition that a strategy’s success is closely tied to the environment in which it’s implemented. This pilot study proposes a practical framework for India that supports advocates and funders to design, adapt, and evaluate campaigns under India’s contextual realities. With feedback from other advocates in the Global South, this framework can be refined and adapted to other contexts in the future.

Food systems advocacy in the Global South: A framework and pilot in India. Faunalytics. (2026). https://faunalytics.org/food-systems-advocacy-in-the-global-south-a-framework-and-pilot-in-india/

Abstract: Independent research from Colorado State University finds that voters already strongly support banning foie gras from force-fed ducks and geese, and that doing so is unlikely to hurt local restaurants.

Voters strongly back sales ban on foie gras from force-fed ducks, new CSU study finds. Pro-Animal Future. (2026). https://proanimal.org/new-csu-study-finds-87-percent-of-americans-support-ban-on-force-fed-foie-gras/

Abstract: This UK government publication from the Animal Sentience Committee analyzes the welfare implications arising from differences in how various pieces of legislation define ‘animals.’ The report examines inconsistencies across UK animal welfare laws and their potential impact on the protection of different species, contributing to ongoing policy discussions about expanding legal protections for animals recognized as sentient.

Animal Sentience Committee. (2026). Welfare implications of legislative differences in the definition of ‘animals.’ GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-sentience-committee-impact-of-definitions-of-animals-in-law

Abstract: Speciesism is a form of discrimination resulting in the unequal treatment of non-human animals based on the perceptions of human beings. This article aims to make a connection between speciesism and animal welfare legislation, focusing on how animal welfare protections are impacted by the anthropocentric views of specific animal species. We draw upon scholarship, legislation, and Canadian case law and examples to do so. While there is significant existing research, scholars continue to suggest speciesism and the inadequate state of animal welfare laws are distinct from one another. Our findings demonstrate how human preferences and perceptions of particular animals create injustices by and through speciesism. When legal reform and animal welfare legislation does not take seriously animal rights and dignity, law becomes a product of speciesism, and a tool for it to survive. A failure for Canadian animal welfare legislation to take seriously the sentience and dignity of all animals will have significant consequences for animals, ecosystems, and humans alike. We conclude by outlining necessary recommendations to reject—if not combat, at minimum—speciesism in the Canadian context.

Beatty, M., & Gacek, J. (2026). Exposing the elephant in the room? Connecting speciesism to Canadian animal welfare legislation. Crime, Media, Culture. https://doi.org/10.1177/17416590261419735

Abstract: This article examines the idea of animal rights, arguing for a sentience-based or interest-based approach, rather than a nature-based approach. It begins by exploring the philosophical foundations of animal rights, addressing the question of whether animals have morally relevant interests that deserve legal protection. The nature-based approach to animal rights is critically analyzed. The article advances further arguments in support of the sentience-based approach, contending that animal rights ought to be grounded in animals’ interests as sentient beings. It concludes that extending legal rights to animals as sentient beings aims to protect animals for their own sake, as individual beings with their own morally and legally relevant interests.

Todorović, Z. S. (2026). Towards legal protection of animal interests: Nature-based or sentience-based approach to animal rights. LEOH – Journal of Animal Law, Ethics and One Health, 23–33. https://doi.org/10.58590/leoh.2026.006