Our researchers at the Center of Excellence in Food, Tourism & Leisure (CoEFTL) recently shared their insights on sustainable food systems in an interview with Vasiliki Michopoulou, featured in the scientific section of Dnews. The discussion centered on two systematic reviews conducted as part of the EU-funded LIKE-A-PRO project, which aims to transform Europe’s food systems by promoting sustainable alternative protein sources and understanding consumer behavior.
These reviews are part of Work Package 1 (WP1) of the LIKE-A-PRO project, which focuses on understanding the determinants that influence consumers’ choices of alternative proteins.
The first systematic review, titled “Geographical context of European consumers’ choices of alternative protein food: A systematic review”, 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.
The second review, “Characteristics of built food environments associated with alternative protein food choices: a systematic review”, explores how various factors within built food environments influence consumers’ decisions regarding APFs.
Addressing Market Mismatches, Consumption Barriers, and Building Consumer Trust
During the interview, CoEFTL’s researchers discussed the significant market mismatch between APF supply and demand. They noted that retailers’ reluctance to increase APF availability in supermarkets, due to perceived profit risks, results in these products being predominantly available online. This limited availability negatively impacts consumer trust and acceptance, as shoppers are less likely to purchase products not found in their usual grocery stores.
Regarding barriers in APF consumption, our researchers highlight the negative impact of social stereotypes, such as masculinity, which, however, does not influence the choice of alternative insect-based protein products in a restaurant setting.
Developing Strategies to Promote Alternative Proteins
CoEFTL’s researchers emphasized that research findings could inform the development of strategies to increase the adoption of APFs. By understanding the diverse determinants that influence consumer choices, including built environment characteristics and geographical context, targeted promotion strategies can be devised to cater to different regions and demographic groups across Europe.
These insights from WP1 of the LIKE-A-PRO project underscore the complexity of shifting towards sustainable food systems and the need for nuanced, context-specific approaches to promoting alternative proteins.
Read more on the systematic reviews on APFs and their findings
For more information about the LIKE-A-PRO project, please visit the
