What drives us to choose among alternative proteins made from plants, insect, or mushrooms?
In 2022, LIKE-A-PRO set off on a 4-year journey to develop new products, governance, and market mechanisms to facilitate the switch from animal-based proteins to sustainable alternative protein food (APF). During its first 2 years of activity, there has been significant research output regarding consumer alternative protein choices. So far, three major research publications have been released under the LIKE-A-PRO project’s Work Package 1 (WP1). The WP1 team, comprising partners from SWPS (Poland), CoEFTL via ACG-RC (Greece), CSCP (Germany), MOREFORSKING (Norway), and UNIBO (Italy), is responsible for tasks such as mapping entry points and barriers in the built environment that affect APF choices.
1st WP1 study: Geographical context of European consumers’ choices of alternative protein food: A systematic review
This first paper examines how geographical factors shape consumer preferences for alternative protein foods (APFs). This research combines empirical data to provide a comprehensive understanding of how location and cultural context affect APF choices across Europe. Read more here.
2nd WP1 study: Characteristics of built food environments associated with alternative protein food choices: a systematic review
The second WP1 publication explores how various factors within built food environments influence consumers’ decisions regarding APFs. Key findings underscore the significance of perceived and actual availability of APFs in facilitating consumer choices. Several barriers and facilitators were linked to specific types of built food environments, whereas their effect may be dependent on the type of APF. Read more here.
3rd WP1 study: Psychosocial determinants of alternative protein choices: a meta-review
Following two prior systematic reviews on environmental and geographical influences on APF choices, this latest publication examines psychosocial drivers, such as perceived health benefits, cultural acceptance, and exposure to APFs. These findings reveal the diverse motivations and barriers consumers face and underscore the need for tailored approaches to mainstream APF adoption. Read more here.
This WP1 research series supports LIKE-A-PRO’s mission to foster sustainable and health-conscious food systems and provides critical insights that can shape sustainable dietary innovations.
