Alternative Consumption Research Articles

The role of dairy alternatives in just food system transitions: a scoping review

AbstractAlternatives to dairy products are becoming part of mainstream food culture in Western societies amidst growing concerns for more sustainable and healthy diets, and improved animal welfare. As more citizens opt for plant-based milks, markets have responded with an abundance of alternatives to facilitate the transition. Previous systematic reviews have examined the environmental and health impacts of plant-based products compared with dairy, yet a synthesis of empirical research on the social and environmental justice impacts of dairy alternatives is lacking. This systematic scoping review aims to explore the extent, range, and nature of peer-reviewed studies on dairy alternatives that address their outcomes for justice. Publications were sought through systematic search of two comprehensive electronic databases (Scopus and Web of Science) and screened by two independent reviewers following eligibility criteria. Included studies predominantly focused on consumer identities and values, and the market-led nature of dairy alternatives consumption. Gaps in the literature included impacts on nutritional equity and the innovation and adaptive capabilities of food producers and workers across geographies. We conclude that the heavy-handed regulation of dairy alternative terminology and the market-driven nature of this transition raise questions about injustices in governance and innovation in this sector.

Efficacy of the Nutrition Education and Screening Tool as a Foundation for Exploring Perinatal Diet and Determinants in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women of Far North Queensland.

Assessing perinatal diet and its determinants in Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women remains challenging, given the paucity of tools that incorporate Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and remembering within a quantitative framework. This study aimed to explore the determinants of perinatal nutrition in this population and to evaluate the efficacy of the Nutrition Education and Screening Tool (NEST) in collecting diet-related data in this population. This study employed a Participatory Action Research approach using the NEST as a foundation for structured research inquiry. Self-reported diet and determinants were collected from a cross-sectional cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from Far North Queensland. Participants (n = 30) declared excess consumption of meat and alternatives, fruit, vegetables and legumes, and dairy and alternatives. Grain and cereal consumption aligned with recommendations; wild-harvested foods comprised a mean 19.75% of their protein intake. Food frequency data were supported by participants' descriptions of how they eat, combine, rotate, and cook these foods. Standard food frequency questionnaires are challenging for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as their concepts of time and ways of remembering are different from Western understanding. Use of the NEST allowed food frequency items to be explored, clarified, and cross-referenced; yarning provided a degree of support for quantitative data. The results of this study translate to future public health research, practice, and policy. Alternative quantitative measures to determine food frequency should be considered in future studies. These may include the cyclical approach to time that is well understood and integrated by Indigenous cultures.

Factors Influencing Consumption of Animal-Based Dairy and Plant-Based Milk Alternatives in Australia

In the transition to more environmentally sustainable food systems, the production and consumption of resource-intensive animal-based dairy foods (ABD) remains a talking point. Given the power of consumer choice in transforming food systems, understanding consumer priorities surrounding ABD consumption and their plant-based counterparts is fundamental. Using data from 3271 unique survey respondents, the objectives of this study were to examine the consumption frequencies of ABD and plant-based milk (PBM) in Australia over time (2019–2022) and determine the psychosocial and sociodemographic factors associated with distinct consumer segments. Multivariate analysis identified sociodemographic and food choice factors associated with three consumer segments: ‘exclusive PBM consumers’, ‘exclusive ABD consumers’, and ‘mixed consumers’ (consumers of both product types). Despite the growing availability of plant-based milk alternatives, exclusive PBM consumption remains relatively uncommon compared to mixed plant and animal dairy consumption. ‘Exclusive ABD consumers’ had a higher probability of being older and less likely to prioritise health and nutrition than ‘mixed consumers’. ‘Exclusive PBM consumers’ were more likely to prioritise food tolerance and restrictions and less likely to prioritise product taste than ‘exclusive ABD consumers’. We report sociodemographic and motivational factors influencing animal-based dairy and plant-based milk choices. The outcomes are of interest to sustainable food systems development stakeholders, with potential applications in the public health and commercial food promotion sectors.

Alternative Consumption Power: Insights into Z GenerationS Replacement Consumption Behavior

Alternative Consumption Power: Insights into Z GenerationS Replacement Consumption Behavior

The moderating role of food involvement: An application of the theory of planned behaviour model in reducing red meat consumption

Reducing red meat intake is crucial for both planetary sustainability and human health. However, various psychosocial barriers impede this dietary shift, necessitating the application of psychological models such as the Theory of Planned behaviours (TPB) to predict individuals’ inclination to reduce red meat consumption. Despite TPB’s widespread use, there is a need for a more refined model addressing emotional variables. This study aims to assess TPB’s effectiveness in understanding intentions and behaviours regarding red meat reduction, while investigating food involvement’s role as a moderator between intention and behaviours. Data were collected through two questionnaires (n = 963, Time 1; n = 541, Time 2) filled out by a representative sample of the Italian population. Using descriptive statistics and structural equation models, findings reveal that attitudes and subjective norms explain 22.2 % of the variance in intentions to reduce red meat consumption. Additionally, perceived behavioural control and intention account for 39.7 % of the variance in self-reported meat consumption behaviours six months later. Moreover, high levels of food involvement hinder the translation of intention into behaviour, highlighting its moderating effect. These results emphasize the necessity of reshaping red meat reduction strategies and promoting alternative consumption choices, fostering habitual practices linked to positive emotions. It is crucial for reducing red meat consumption that this behaviour becomes a cultural symbol of change, identifying individuals as “new consumers” within a society adapting to environmental and health challenges. By integrating emotional factors into behavioural models, interventions can better address barriers and promote sustainable dietary habits.

Meatless Revolution: Exploring Consumers’ Perception of Meat Alternatives

ABSTRACT This paper employs a 4 × 2 × 3 research design with four different antecedents of meat alternative consumption (red meat consumption, consumers’ health consciousness, environmental awareness, animal welfare), two types of meat alternatives (plant-based vs. vegetarian), and three consumer behavioral outcomes (purchase intention, willingness to substitute, and willingness to pay). Our study of 425 participants shows that all four antecedents affect consumers’ meat alternative perceptions. Red meat consumption has a negative effect, while health consciousness, environmental awareness, and animal welfare have a positive relationship, increasing meat alternative purchase intention, willingness to substitute, and willingness to pay. Interestingly, plant-based alternatives had higher purchase intention, willingness to substitute, and willingness to pay relative to vegetarian alternatives. Our results estimate that plant-based alternatives are substituted for up to 50% of red meat consumption, compared to 35% for vegetarian alternatives. Also noteworthy, plant-based meat alternatives have a 10% higher willingness to pay versus vegetarian alternatives.

Dietary habits and self-reported health outcomes in a cross-sectional survey of health-conscious adults eating a plant-based diet.

Given the growing popularity of plant-based diets, this study investigated the dietary habits and self-reported health outcomes of health-conscious adults consuming plant-based diets. A cross-sectional online survey (n = 315) was distributed to members of Plant-Based Health Professionals UK, a community interest company. Dietary intake was assessed through a food frequency questionnaire. Data were summarised descriptively. Dietary habits among respondents following a whole food plant-based (WFPB) and vegan diet were compared using hypothesis tests. Respondents reported following a WFPB (61%), vegan (28%) and semi plant-based (11%) diet. Median time on current dietary pattern was 5 years. Daily or more frequent consumption was reported for the following foods: fruits 77%, berries 51%, green vegetables 48%, cruciferous vegetables 45%, other vegetables 64%, beans/legumes 41%, whole grains 62%, nuts and all seeds 63%. Consumption of ultra-processed foods and plant-based meat alternatives was low. About 93% of those on a WFPB or vegan diet supplemented with vitamin B12 and 61% with vitamin D. The median body mass index was 22.4 kg/m2. Fifty per cent of participants reported weight loss after adopting a plant-based diet, with a median loss of 6.4 kg. Thirty-five per cent reported reversing or improving an underlying health condition, and 15% were able to stop or reduce prescribed medication use as a result of dietary changes. This study suggests that a well-planned plant-based diet is achievable and sustainable in a community setting and can be associated with health benefits. How to best encourage such sustainable diets among the broad population requires further research.

Determination of total phenolic, flavonoid and monomeric anthocyanin contents and antioxidant properties of 15 different fruit vinegars produced by traditional method

In this study, vinegars were produced using traditional method from 15 different fruits (rosehip, pear, fig, wild pear, apple, plum, hawthorn (yellow and red), pomegranate, grape (cimin, cardinal), peach, cranberry, quince and medlar). It was aimed to determine the total phenolic, total flavonoid and total monomeric anthocyanin contents and antioxidant capacities of vinegars. As a result, it was concluded that the phenolic, flavonoid contents and the antioxidant capacity in all 3 methods (TEAC, FRAP and DPPH) of rosehip vinegar was significantly higher than other vinegars. In addition, wild pear and hawthorn vinegars were very rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds and these vinegars had very high antioxidant capacity. The results of the study suggest that an alternative consumption method can be provided by producing vinegar, which is a healthy, aromatic and alternative product with high added value, from fruits such as rosehip, wild pear, hawthorn, cranberry, quince and medlar, whose usage and consumption are limited due to their natural structure.

Effect of a Centrally-Procured School Snack Program Vs. a Traditional School Snack Program on Children’s Dietary Intake: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Less than one-third of Canadian children consume the recommended five daily servings of FV. This cRCT aims to assess how a 10-week centrally-procured school food program (intervention) influences consumption of FV compared to a traditional program (control). Sixty elementary schools took part, including 2,422 children. Dietary intake during the school day was assessed using a new tool: “Pupils Eating At School.” There were no significant improvements in servings or instances of FV, but a small, statistically significant increase in consumption of milk and alternatives was found. Future research should consider other strategies to nudge children toward trying FV at school.

The shift in sports viewing: scale development and validation for mediated sports consumption motivation

ABSTRACT Research question Mediated sports, the alternative consumption formats that substitute live stadium or arena experiences, are on the rise and have become a prevalent means of consuming sport. This study developed a comprehensive scale to capture fans’ motivation behind mediated sport consumption from the theoretical lens of self-determination theory. Research methods We achieved this objective through a series of studies: a free thought-listing survey, expert panels, an exploratory study based on a sample of 549 sport consumers, and a confirmatory study based on a new sample of 335 sport consumers. Results and findings The final scale consists of 21 items that measure seven motives: Convenience, Sociability, Emotional Hedge, Programming, Ownership, Team Identification, and Security. Findings revealed that mediated sport consumption demonstrated distinct motives integral to satisfying the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Implications This study expands our understanding of mediated sport consumption behavior through the perspectives of Self-determination Theory. Sport fans tend to take advantage of various platforms and time zones and access many sporting events with fewer constraints. We suggest that mediated sport consumption that enhances a sense of choice or personal value provides a higher satisfaction of sport fans’ psychological needs.

Degree of Adherence to Existing Dietary and Lifestyle Guidelines among Secondary and High Schoolchildren

Abstract Background: Poor dietary patterns pose a significant health challenge for children, hindering their ideal growth and development. Objective: We explored the adherence of secondary and high schoolchildren to healthy dietary guidelines in the Kurdistan Region. Subjects and Methods: We included a random sample of 554 students (13–18 years) from the available high schools in Duhok City in 2022. Results: Generally, students had a low level of healthy diet, which was not significantly influenced by sociodemographic and diet-related characteristics. A notable number of students skipped breakfast (32.31%). A majority of students consumed fruits 1–6 times/day (40.97%), whereas their vegetable intake was predominantly <1 serving/day (39.71%) or 1–2 servings/day (31.41%). The consumption of fish and seafood was relatively low among the students, with only 1–2 servings/week (36.28%). The students had a high rate of consuming sweets and soft drinks, with 1–2 servings/week being prevalent (25.99% for sweets and 36.10% for soft drinks). Media watching duration was notably high, with 1–2 h/day (23.10%) and over 4 h/day (35.38%). Only 19.86% of the students engaged in mild-to-moderate physical activity. The consumption of dairy products, both milk and dairy alternatives, was at 1–2 servings/day, with more than half opting for low- or no-fat options (25.09%). A considerable percentage of students consumed meat and meat products at varying frequencies. Close to half of the students consumed 3–7 servings of total grains/day and >50 whole grains. Conclusions: Schoolchildren have a low adherence to healthy dietary guidelines in Kurdistan Region.

Balancing Gains and Losses—A Research Note on Tradeoffs in the Case of Non-Alcoholic Wines in Germany

Non-alcoholic alternatives are gaining growing significance within the German beverage sector. In this context, the German wine industry is increasingly focusing on non-alcoholic wines, whose market has developed dynamically in recent years. While the technologies used, the sensory characteristics and the marketing of the products are frequently addressed in the literature, the consideration of sustainability impacts has so far been largely neglected. This applies in particular to the view of all three dimensions of sustainability. These are examined more closely in this review with regard to tradeoffs, which indicate that positive aspects in one dimension go hand in hand with a loss in the other. It can be shown that tradeoffs in the production and marketing of non-alcoholic wines arise both within and between the three sustainability dimensions. Exemplary of this is the increased use of resources in the course of alcohol removal. At the same time, an emerging market segment holds positive aspects from an economic perspective. Ultimately, the consideration of social sustainability is marked by the health science and political debate around the reduction in alcohol consumption and the simultaneous increase in the consumption of non-alcoholic alternatives.

Research on the new power system dispatching model considering clean energy market and power‐section stabilization

AbstractWith the introduction of dual carbon targets, clean energy is connected to the grid on a large scale, and the stochastic and volatility of its output further affects the stable operation of the new power system. Meanwhile, in order to solve the problem that it is difficult to take into account the participation of clean energy in market‐oriented trading and complete consumption in the construction of power market, the new type of power system source–load balance dispatching model considering the market of clean energy and cross‐section stabilization is proposed. Firstly, a clean energy market price competition model based on the market clearing mechanism is proposed to realize the alternative consumption of clean energy. Secondly, considering the section security of inter‐system power transmission, a new power system source‐load balance two‐level optimization model is established by considering the cross‐section power rate and real‐time trading of clean energy market. Finally, the advantages of the model in enhancing the high proportion of clean energy consumption, rationally clearing the clean energy market and reducing the cross‐section load ratio of the contact line are verified through simulation.

Delving into the behaviour of sharing economy consumers: a literature review

PurposeThe impact of the sharing economy on traditional businesses has largely been analysed from both company and consumer perspectives. In the case of the latter, scholars have produced a rich field of research into different aspects of consumer behaviour and the way it is reshaped in these alternative consumption patterns. This study aims to provide a systematization of these studies and to develop a model for consumer behaviour in the sharing economy.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a three-step approach, a systematic literature review has been performed to analyse and classify 108 scientific papers about consumer behaviour in the sharing economy.FindingsFour main research topics came up from the analysis: sharing approach, consumption pattern, post-purchase behaviour and sustainability. Basing on these clusters, the double-loop model of consumer behaviour in the sharing economy is presented and discussed.Originality/valueThe research allows to provide scholars and practitioners with the state of the art on consumer behaviour in sharing economy and to draft future research avenues to orient research and practice in the field.

The impact of replacing milk with plant-based alternatives on iodine intake: a dietary modelling study.

Cow's milk is the primary source of iodine in the UK, but consumption of plant-based milk alternatives (PBMA) is increasing and these products are often not fortified with iodine. We evaluated the impact that replacing current milk consumption with PBMA would have on iodine intake. We used data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2016-2019) for children (1.5-10years), girls 11-18years, and women of reproductive age (WRA). We used a dietary modelling approach with scenarios using brand-leveliodine-fortification data (0, 13, 22.5, 27.4 and 45µg/100mL). Relative to usual diet, we calculated change in iodine intake, and the proportion with intake below the Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI) or above the upper limit. For all groups, replacement with PBMA, either unfortified or fortified at the lowest concentration, resulted in a meaningful decrease in iodine intake, and increased the proportion with intake < LRNI; compared to usual diet, iodine intake reduced by 58% in children 1.5-3years (127 vs. 53µg/day) and the proportion with intake < LRNI increased in girls (11-18years;20% to 48%) and WRA (13% to 33%) if anunfortified PBMA was used. Replacement of milk with PBMA fortified at 27.4µg/100mL had the lowest impact. Replacing milk with commercially available PBMAs has potential to reduce population iodine intake, depending on the fortification level. PBMAs fortified with ≥ 22.5 and < 45µg iodine/100mL would be required to minimize the impact on iodine intake. Research is needed on the impact of total dairy replacement.

Attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control factors influencing Canadian secondary school students' milk and milk alternatives consumption.

The research objectives were to evaluate factors that influence Canadian secondary school students' milk and milk alternatives (MMA) consumption and to explore associations through age and gender lenses. A qualitative design was used, consisting of semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation methods. Analysis was guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Deductive and inductive thematic analyses were used to generate themes, charting data based on attributes such as gender and age. Interviews were held virtually or via telephone. Participants were twenty-eight high school students from Ontario, Canada, diverse in terms of gender and age. Both desirable and undesirable beliefs about the health outcomes of consuming MMA were commonly discussed. These included health benefits such as strong bones, muscular strength, and growth, and health consequences like unwanted skin conditions, weight gain, and diseases. While boys and girls associated MMA consumption with muscular strength, boys predominantly considered this favourable, while girls discussed outcomes like unwanted skin conditions and weight gain more often. Adolescents' perspectives on taste/perceived enjoyment, environmentally friendly choices and animal welfare also influenced their MMA preferences. Parental influences were most cited among social factors, which appeared to be stronger during early adolescence. Factors involving cost, time and accessibility affected adolescents' beliefs about how difficult it was to consume MMA. Recommendations for shifting attitudes towards MMA are provided to address unfavourable beliefs towards these products. Interventions to increase MMA consumption among adolescents should include parents and address cost barriers.

Controlling digital piracy via domain name system blocks: A natural experiment

We study the impact of batch DNS filtering of copyright-infringing websites, a novel administrative-based process that does not require judicial involvement. In partnership with a large telecommunication provider, we measure the impact of this intervention on piracy activity and the legal alternatives integrated into households' media subscription bundles, an aspect largely unexplored in prior literature. We find a significant reduction in Internet traffic, which proxies piracy activity. However, we do not observe statistically significant changes in the consumption of the legal alternatives under consideration, only a slight increase in TV viewership. To further understand these outcomes, we examine the heterogeneity of these results based on households' pre-block usage intensity of digital piracy and demographic characteristics. Our work contributes to the literature on the effectiveness of piracy control strategies and informs policy makers and industry practitioners about the benefits and limitations of DNS-based website blocking.

Understanding the role of health consciousness in the consumption of plant-based meat alternatives: a sequential mediation model

Plant-based meat substitutes (PBMA) offer a way to lessen the negative effects of human activity and consumption on the environment and to achieve sustainability in the food sector. This study investigates the role of health consciousness in the consumption of PBMA. We conducted a cross-sectional survey-based study with a sample of 317 French consumers. Our findings indicate that health consciousness is positively associated with awareness of PBMA. They also reveal that the effect of health consciousness on willingness to consume the products is serially mediated through awareness and attitudes toward buying the products. As such, consumers may benefit from receiving additional information that identifies the benefits of buying and eating PBMA. Consequently, managers are advised to consider promoting PBMA as compatible with multiple foodstuffs and easy-to-cook products. They also might want to raise awareness among consumers by creating long-term communication campaigns emphasizing the experiential value of consuming PBMA and holding in-store cooking classes led by expert chefs to teach consumers how to cook the products.

Everyday reconciliations of ‘foodyism’ and meat alternatives

Meat alternatives may play an important role in sustainable food transitions. However, numerous barriers to the increased consumption of these products have been identified. This paper explores the consumption of meat alternatives in relation to ‘foodyism’, understood here as contemporary discourses and practices of gourmet food glorifying ‘exoticism’ and ‘authenticity’. Foodyism can be viewed as a relevant cultural barrier to the increased uptake of meat alternatives, especially due to its adherence to the notion of authenticity. The paper argues that the cultural and symbolic tension between foodyism and meat alternatives must be sufficiently resolved if meat alternatives are to play a key role in sustainable food transitions. Accordingly, inspired by practice theoretical approaches in consumption research, and based on an analysis of qualitative data collected in Finland in 2020 through an online questionnaire (N=448, of which 49 were included in the final analysis), the paper focuses on describing the reconciliation of foodyism and meat alternatives already evident in the food-related practices of food practitioners. The performances of reconciliation described in this paper are characterised by ‘looking beyond individual ingredients’, ‘laborious and skilful cooking’, and the meanings of home food and creativity. The results suggest that the ways of ‘doing foodyism’ may be changing in the wake of the current ecological crises, and the paper argues that the new patterns are worth advocating in efforts to advance the practical and symbolic acceptance of meat alternatives.

Barriers associated with pulse and plant-based meat alternative consumption across sociodemographic groups: a Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour model approach.

To enhance environmental sustainability and food security, there should be a change in dietary protein consumption. It is suggested that meat consumption should be reduced and that the currently low consumption of pulses and other plant-based proteins should increase. We aimed to examine (1) how sociodemographic factors and perceived barriers are associated with self-reported current and perceived future pulse and other plant-based meat alternative (PBMA) consumption and (2) how sociodemographic factors relate to perceived barriers. Participants were 18-75 year-old Finnish adults (n = 1,000). Multivariable logistic regression was used as the main analysis technique. The results were interpreted by employing the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour (COM-B) model. Pulses were consumed more often than PBMAs and lower education level and financial strain were associated with more infrequent pulse and PBMA use. The most common perceived barriers for pulse consumption were unfamiliarity, expensive price, and unpleasant taste, which can be interpreted to represent the capability, opportunity and motivation components of the COM-B model, respectively. Women, the young, and financially strained perceived more barriers limiting their pulse consumption than others. To increase plant-based food consumption, it is important that tasty, easy to use and affordable plant-based foods are available for all. Additionally, we suggest that food services should be encouraged to increase the use of pulses in their dishes and that capabilities, opportunities and motivations are taken into account in intervention measures advancing plant protein consumption.