Food-related Lifestyle Research Articles

Plant-based fish analogues vs. fish: Assessment of consumer perception, acceptance, and attitudes

Plant-based fish is developed to mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of fish. Despite being the fastest-growing segment in plant-based analogues sales, it remains a niche product due to several hindrances, including sensory and nutritional issues. This study assessed consumer perception, attitudes and acceptance drivers of plant-based canned tuna involving 165 consumers who evaluated for liking and described through the Check-All-That-Apply method five plant-based and three animal-based samples. Consumers’ food neophobia level, food related lifestyles and food frequency consumption of a series of plant-based and animal-based products were investigated as potential explanatory variables in drivers of acceptance. Generalised linear models showed that plant-based samples scored very low (<40 VAS score), while animal-based products were well accepted (63.6 – 75.2). Principal Coordinate Analysis revealed that pink colour, tuna/fish flavour, and dryness characterised tuna samples and contributed positively to liking, while unappealing appearance, off-flavour, legume/vegetable flavour, bitterness, gelatinous and gumminess, characterised plant-based samples and contributed negatively to liking. Agglomerative hierarchical analysis identified two consumer clusters differing in liking for plant-based fish analogues. One cluster (27 % of consumers) showed significantly higher liking scores for all plant-based samples, a higher consumption of plant-based analogues and seemed more careful when buying food, both regarding its nutritional composition and its naturalness than the other cluster. This study suggests that the exploitation of plant-based ingredients (textured soy, pea and wheat proteins) affect all sensory dimensions of plant-based canned tuna and highlights the importance of sensory optimisation in the development of plant-based alternatives to meet consumer preferences.

Eating habits and dietary supplement utilization according to food-related lifestyle among Korean adults: a cross-sectional study

Objectives: This study investigated the association between eating habits and the utilization of dietary supplements (DSs) according to food-related lifestyle (FRL) among Korean adults. Methods: This study included a total of 300 participants (150 men and 150 women) in their 20s to 60s living in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. We identified two groups by factor and cluster analysis: an ‘active pursuit’ group and a ‘passive pursuit’ group. Differences in eating habits and DS utilization between the two groups were analyzed by chi-square test and t-test. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of variables on DS consumption according to FRL. Results: There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, alcohol drinking frequency, total dietary score, change in DS consumption after coronavirus disease 2019, and current DS consumption (P &lt; 0.05). The proportion who perceived many health benefits of DSs was higher in the ‘active pursuit’ group than in the ‘passive pursuit’ group (P = 0.003). The most commonly consumed type of DSs was multivitamins &amp; minerals for the ‘active pursuit’ group, and omega-3 fatty acids for the ‘passive pursuit’ group. The ‘an active pursuit’ group consumed DSs 2.93 times more (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44–5.97) compared to the ‘passive pursuit’ group, after adjusting for confounders. In the ‘active pursuit’ group, the health pursuit (odds ratio [OR] = 6.54, 95% CI: 1.44– 29.61) and rational consumption pursuit factors (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08–0.83) were associated with DS consumption, whereas only the health pursuit factor had a significant association (OR = 5.37, 95% CI: 2.08–13.88) within the ‘passive pursuit’ group. However, total dietary score and DSs consumption did not show a relationship. Conclusions: By understanding the consumption characteristics of DSs according to FRL, this can serve as basic data necessary for promoting health through the utilization of DSs and healthy behaviors.

청소년의 식생활라이프스타일에 따른 외식행동 및 배달·테이크아웃 이용실태 : 2020년 식품소비행태조사 자료 이용

청소년의 식생활라이프스타일에 따른 외식행동 및 배달·테이크아웃 이용실태 : 2020년 식품소비행태조사 자료 이용

European consumers' intention to buy sustainable aquaculture products: An exploratory study

Given the increasing global importance of low trophic level aquaculture (LTA) products (e.g. seaweed and mussels) for sustainable and healthy seafood supply, this study examined consumer intentions towards LTA products among European consumers. This study performed an extended theory of planned behaviour to focus on the influence of health consciousness, subjective knowledge, food neophobia, and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors on consumers' intentions to buy LTA products. We conducted an online questionnaire survey in Denmark, the United Kingdom and France (~500 respondents per country). Consumer segmentation analysis, based on food-related lifestyles, employing K-means clustering techniques, revealed five distinct segments, namely ‘Adventurous’, ‘Uninvolved’, ‘Foodies’, ‘Rational’, and ‘Conservative’, each reflecting unique consumer behavioural patterns. Furthermore, partial least squares structural equation modelling analysis revealed that subjective norms are the main predictor of LTA product buying intention, followed by attitude, food neophobia, subjective knowledge, and health consciousness. Furthermore, food neophobia seems to moderate the influence of subjective norms and subjective knowledge on LTA product buying intention. This dual approach explains the predictive power of the model while identifying targeted segments for sustainable aquaculture product marketing, ensuring that the distinction between the model's test and the subsequent segmentation analysis is clearly articulated. To enhance the adoption of LTA products, marketers should primarily target the ‘Foodies’ segment, characterised by high involvement and innovation, by emphasizing attitudes, health consciousness, subjective knowledge, and food quality attributes, while mitigating food neophobia and leveraging subjective norms.

Value seeking, health-conscious or sustainability-concerned? Profiling fruit and vegetable consumers in Euro-Mediterranean countries

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate consumer preferences and profile their food-related lifestyles, as well as to identify consumer groups with similar attitudes/behaviours in the Euro-Mediterranean fruit and vegetable market.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was designed drawing from the food related lifestyles instrument and including other factors relevant to fruit and vegetable consumer preferences. The data were collected in an online survey with 925 participants in France, Greece, and Italy. A principal component analysis was conducted to interpret and examine consumers' fruit and vegetable related lifestyles. In addition, a cluster analysis was performed to identify different consumer segments, based on the core dimensions of the food-related lifestyle approach.FindingsIn each country, three primary consumer segments were distinguished. Health-conscious individuals were predominant in France and Greece, while quality-conscious consumers were prevalent in Italy. These classifications were determined considering various factors such as purchase motivation, perception of product quality, health concerns, environmental certifications, and price sensitivity.Originality/valueThe food-related lifestyle approach has been adapted instrument to create a customised survey instrument specifically designed to capture the intricacies of fruit and vegetable consumer preferences and priorities in three Euro-Mediterranean Countries.

Assessment of factors affecting Filipino consumers’ purchasing intent towards processed meat during COVID-19

There is much to know about the impact of COVID-19 on purchasing patterns of processed meat. This study aimed to assess the factors affecting Filipino citizens' purchasing intent (PI) towards processed meat in Metro Manila. Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is used to investigate the fundamental factors influencing changes in food-related lifestyles caused by the pandemic. Research constructs and the intention to purchase processed meat were correlated. Two phases of the study were conducted using factor analysis (n = 150) and structural equation modeling (n = 300). Sustainable Food Choices (SFC), Consumer Attitudes (ATT), and Subjective Norms (SN), were shown to have the most impact on purchasing intent (PI) for processed meat at 5% significance (p < 0.05) based on full model and selective path diagrams, while shopping pattern shifts (SPH) only demonstrated statistical significance in the selective path diagram focusing on lifestyle changes. Model fit indices improved upon separating the TPB constructs from the Lifestyle Changes as both latent variables' effects on purchasing intent for processed meat were assessed. A majority of the fit indices demonstrated at least acceptable values. SFC negatively influenced PI, while ATT, SN, and SPH demonstrated a positive effect. In general, this research offers valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on consumer behavior concerning food and its potential influence on the likelihood of purchasing processed meat in the Philippines.

The interplay of food-related lifestyle and eating behavior in Italian women.

Women play a crucial role in food shopping and preparation, and their food choices have significant implications for their health and that of their families. This study aims to provide a perspective on women's eating lifestyle, which has undergone significant changes. A factor analysis was conducted to assess the degree of involvement in food choices and the types of food items consumed among a sample of 399 Italian women. Through cluster analysis, four segments were identified: hedonic food consumers, sustainable- and balanced-diet consumers, food experimenters, and no food fondness consumers. The results reveal a correlation between the degree of food involvement and the type of food consumed. Furthermore, the food lifestyle of the sample is partially dependent on age. Individuals aged 25-28 years show more hedonic food consumption behavior, while the older age group (44-64 years) falls into the sustainable and balanced diet consumer cluster (the largest cluster) and the cluster of those who do not express definable food choices (no food fondness).

Analyzing consumer perceptions about food safety by applying the food-related lifestyle approach.

Food safety standards remain a major concern for consumers, especially in developing and emerging economies, due to gaps in the capacities of food safety enforcement institutions and limited investments from private sector actors. This study analyzes consumer behavior and food safety-related lifestyles in Kosovo, a post-communist emerging economy. Consumer groups were identified according to their food-related lifestyle using the classical 2-stage segmentation approach of factor analysis as well as cluster analysis. The study findings indicate that almost two-thirds of the surveyed consumers are fairly or very concerned about food safety. The results reveal that highly educated female consumers are more concerned about personal health risks, food safety-related content, and related diseases. This study provides interesting insights for food safety policymakers and the agroindustry on how to promote food safety consumer awareness effectively with targeted communication strategies.

Food-related media use and eating behavior in different food-related lifestyle groups of Korean adolescents in metropolitan areas.

This study investigated the relationship between adolescent food-related lifestyles and food-related media use and eating behavior in Korea. Participants were 392 Korean adolescents, ranging in age from 12 to 18, recruited via convenience sampling. They completed a self-report questionnaire survey consisting of questions about food-related lifestyle, food-related media use, food consumption behavior, food literacy, and nutrition quotient. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 29.0. (IBM Co., Armonk, NY, USA). The factor analysis of food-related lifestyles identified four factors. Based on the cluster analysis results, participants were classified into three clusters reflecting different levels of interest: high interest in food, moderate interest in food, and low interest in food. The analysis revealed significant differences between groups in food-related liestyle factors (P < 0.05). Notably, the high-interest group demonstrated proactive engagement with food-related content, a willingness to explore diverse culinary experiences, and a conscientious consideration of nutritional labeling during food purchases. In contrast, the low-interest group reported tendencies toward overeating or succumbing to stimulating food consumption post-exposure to food-related content, coupled with a disregard for nutritional labeling when making food choices. A stronger inclination toward a food-related lifestyle was positively correlated with higher levels of food literacy and nutrition quotient. This study proposes that the implementation of a nutrition education program using media could effectively promote a healthy diet among adolescents with a high level of interest in their dietary habits. For adolescents with low interest in their dietary habits, it suggests that introducing an education program with a primary focus on enhancing food literacy could be beneficial in fostering a healthy diet. Our research findings provide insight for the development of tailored nutritional education programs and establishment of effective nutrition policies.

Consumers' Preferences towards Bread Characteristics Based on Food-Related Lifestyles: Insights from Slovenia.

Consumers' recognition and understanding of food characteristics can have an important role when making purchase decisions. The current study analysed consumer preferences for bread, an important food in the diets of Central European countries. The study included a conjoint experiment on a representative sample of 547 adult consumers in Slovenia. The following bread attributes: functional ingredients (chia seeds, linseed, quinoa, and Tartary buckwheat); nutritional claims (low salt, high fibre, and high protein); and other claims (organic, free from additives, flour from Slovenia, and wholegrain) were studied. The results showed the strongest relative importance for functional ingredients (a mean relative importance of 83.9%). In addition, a deeper insight into consumer preference was investigated by a recently developed modular instrument for food-related lifestyles. Latent class cluster analysis (LCA) enabled the identification of four consumer segments (uninvolved, conservative, health-conscious, and moderate) with different preferences toward selected functional ingredients, nutrition, and other claims. The results provide insights that allow for a better understanding of consumer preferences for functional ingredients and claims, and new perspectives for bread marketing to different consumer segments based on food-related lifestyles. Identifying the drivers that affect bread purchasing and consumption can support reformulation activities and product promotion in the direction of reinforcing healthier food choices.

Comparison of Eating Habits and Behaviors of Young Single-Person Households based on Food-Related Lifestyle

This study aimed to investigate the dietary habit problems related to lifestyle by analyzing health behaviors and dietary habits in Korean young adults.Adults aged 20≥ and ≥39 years single-person households who participated in the survey were included in the study. Subjects were classified into food related lifestyle. Subsequently, characteristics, health behaviors, dietary habits were analyzed.The participants of the study were classified into five types: a ‘taste-type’, an ‘economy-type’, a ‘convenience-type’, a ‘health-type’, and a ‘safety-type’. As a result of comparing eating habits by food-related lifestyles, the ‘economy-type’ showed the highest dietary assessment with a score of 3.18, while the ‘safety-type’ ranked the lowest, a score of 2.54. The ‘economy-type’ scored highest they ate out less, cooked more, suggesting a need for nutritious cooking classes. The ‘health-type’, with more men and price-conscious individuals, sought healthier convenience options. The ‘taste-type’ preferred food delivery and dining out, needing balanced menus. In contrast, the ‘convenience-type’ overate, scoring low in habits, emphasizing the need for healthier menus and support. The ‘safety-type’ which has a high percentage of jobs in the service industry and high school graduates, showed the need for policy support for better diet.Young single-person households have different dietary problems depending on their food-related lifestyle. Therefore, we recommended for the customized dietary education considering the characteristics of each type.

Explainable Machine Learning Models for Identification of Food-Related Lifestyle Factors in Chicken Meat Consumption Case in Northern Greece

A consumer’s decision-making process regarding the purchase of chicken meat is a multifaceted one, influenced by various food-related, personal, and environmental factors that interact with one another. The mediating effect of food lifestyle that bridges the gap between consumer food values and the environment, further shapes consumer behavior towards meat purchase and consumption. This research introduces the concept of Food-Related Lifestyle (FRL) and aims to identify and explain the factors associated with chicken meat consumption in Northern Greece using a machine learning pipeline. To achieve this, the Boruta algorithm and four widely recognized classifiers were employed, achieving a binary classification accuracy of up to 78.26%. The study primarily focuses on determining the items from the FRL tool that carry significant weight in the classification output, thereby providing valuable insights. Additionally, the research aims to interpret the significance of these selected factors in the decision-making process using the SHAP model. Specifically, it turns out that the freshness, safety, and nutritional value of chicken meat are essential considerations for consumers in their eating habits. Additionally, external factors like health crises and price fluctuations can have a significant impact on consumer choices related to chicken meat consumption. The findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of consumer preferences, enabling the food industry to align its offerings and marketing efforts with consumer needs and desires. Ultimately, this work demonstrates the potential of AI in shaping the future of the food industry and informs strategies for effective decision-making.

The FLY-project: study protocol for mixed methods research to explore the complex social dynamics of sustainable food-related lifestyles in youth in practical education

BackgroundThe present-day food system is a key driver of climate change and biodiversity loss, making it imperative for populations to shift towards more sustainable diets. The involvement of youth in this transition is vital because they are in a formative period where their identities, values, and norms, including their food behaviours, are being shaped. Special attention should be paid to youth in practical education because they are often overlooked in existing studies, yet evidence suggests they may lack the necessary resources to support dietary changes, resulting in lower levels of pro-environmental food-related behaviours. The aim of the FLY (Food-related Lifestyles in Youth) project is to study how sustainable food-related lifestyles and underlying factors develop in early adolescence, particularly in Dutch youth in practical education, how these spread in social networks, and to develop community-level intervention strategies to support youths’ transition to sustainable food-related behaviours.Methods/designThe FLY-project adopts a mixed-method approach. First, two literature reviews are conducted. A systematic review assesses how capabilities, opportunities and motivation are associated with sustainable food behaviours in youth, and how these elements interrelate in determining sustainable food-related lifestyles. A scoping review studies community-level interventions that target sustainable and healthy food-related behaviours. Second, focus groups are conducted to explore the barriers and facilitating factors concerning capabilities, opportunities, and motivations that Dutch youth in practical-level education experience to transition to more sustainable food-related lifestyles. Third, a cohort survey study is conducted to track the dynamic interplay between capabilities, opportunities, motivation, and changes in specific sustainable food behaviours over time, and to assess the diffusion of sustainable food-related lifestyles via social (media) networks. Fourth, an experimental research programme tests promising intervention approaches, some of which are co-created with youth, targeting relevant underlying factors.DiscussionThis paper describes the rationale, conceptual framework, design and methods of the FLY-project. The FLY-project contributes to an understanding of underlying factors of sustainable food-related behaviours in adolescence and results in a multi-component intervention toolkit, with a particular focus on youth in practical education programmes.

A Study on the Utilization and Satisfaction of Convenience Store Lunchbox by Food-Related Lifestyle: On the Adults in their 20s and older in Seoul, Gyeonggi and Chungcheong Provinces

본 연구는 편의점 도시락을 이용한 경험이 있는 성인 817명을 대상으로 식생활 라이프 스타일에 따른 편의점 도시락 이용현황과 만족도 차이를 분석하였고 편의점 도시락 시장에 효율적인 메뉴 구성과 개선 방향을 제안하는 기초자료를 제공하고자 하였다. 식생활 라이프 스타일 유형을 군집분석한 결과는 미각추구 집단, 경제추구 집단, 편의추구 집단, 건강추구 집단 등의 4가지 집단으로 군집화되었다. 도시락 이용현황을 살펴보면 도시락 제품 구매가격은 3,500~4,000원이었고, 도시락은 주로 점심 식사용으로, 혼자 먹는 것으로 나타났다. 편의점 도시락에 대한 정보를 얻는 곳으로는 편의점 매장, 인터넷 SNS 순이었다(p<0.05). 도시락은 영양성분을 고려하여 구매하였고(p<0.001) 중요한 영양소는 단백질, 열량, 나트륨이라고 하였다. 도시락의 용기는 위생적이고 청결해야 하며 용기 표면에 제품에 대한 정보를 부착하는 것을 중요하게 생각하고 있었다(p<0.01). 4개의 군집 중 경제추구 집단은 도시락의 맛(3.66점)과 양(3.60점)에서 가장 만족도가 높았고(p<0.001), 다음은 가격(3.49점), 열량(3.43점)순이었다(p<0.01). 건강추구 집단은 메뉴의 다양성(3.76점)에서 만족도가 높은 반면 편의추구 집단은 메뉴의 다양성(3.47점)에서 만족도가 낮게 나타났고(p<0.05), 모든 집단에서 도시락 구매의 편리성(p<0.001)과 제품브랜드의 신뢰성, 다양한 할인제공도 만족하는 것으로 나타났다. 그러나 음식의 영양과 조미료의 첨가 여부는 상대적으로 낮은 만족도를 보였다. 도시락의 밥종류로는 백미밥을 선호하였고(p<0.001) 좋아하는 식재료는 육류인 것으로 나타났다(p<0.01). 모든 집단에서 밥과 찬으로 구성된 도시락을 좋아하였고 저염식과 고단백식을 지향하였으나 유의적인 차이는 없었다. 앞으로도 편의점 도시락은 계속 이용할 것이며(p<0.01), 주변인에게 구매의 편리함과, 저렴한 가격, 신선한 재료, 풍부한 영양 등으로 도시락 이용을 추천하겠다고 하였다. 본 연구의 조사결과 모든 집단에서 가장 중요한 요인은 맛으로 나타났으며, 편리성에서 가장 높은 만족도를 보였지만 음식의 영양과 조미료의 첨가 여부는 상대적으로 낮은 만족도를 나타냈다. 따라서 편의점 도시락 시장이 성장하기 위해서는 도시락의 품질개선과 다양한 메뉴 개발 등이 이루어져야 할 것으로 보인다.This study investigated the utilization and satisfaction of lunchboxes according to food-related lifestyle. A sample of 819 adults who regularly purchased lunchboxes were studied. This study can provide basic data for effective menu development. The participants of the study were classified into 4 groups: a ‘taste-seeking group’, an ‘economy-seeking group’, ‘a convenience-seeking group’, and a ‘health-seeking group’. The purchase price of lunchboxes was in the range of 3,500 to 4,000 won. The ‘health-seeking group’ was shown to spend the highest amount on lunchboxes, over 5,100 won. Information about lunchboxes was obtained primarily through convenience stores followed by Internet SNS (p<0.05). Most participants considered nutritional value when purchasing a lunchbox (p<0.001), of which protein, caloric, and sodium content were perceived as important. Moreover, lunchboxes with clean and hygienic aesthetics were preferred amongst the ‘health-seeking group’ (p<0.01). The ‘economy-seeking group’ had a higher satisfaction linked with taste (3.66) and quantity (3.60, p<0.001). Furthermore, in terms of the satisfaction with a menu variety the ‘health-seeking group’ showed the highest satisfaction with a score of 3.76, while the ‘convenience-seeking group’ ranked the lowest satisfaction with a score of 3.46 (p<0.05). All groups were satisfied with the convenience for purchasing lunchbox (p<0.001). Additionally, most participants preferred white rice (p<0.001) and meat (p<0.01) with cooked by fried and grilled. Lastly, in the content of the lunchbox use in the future, most participants indicated the intent for continuous use (p<0.01) and recommendation to others with the reason for the low price (19.2%) in the ‘economy-seeking group’, fresh ingredients (16.2%) in the ‘convenience-seeking group’, and nutritive (17.3%) in the ‘health-seeking group’, as well as for the convenience of purchase in the overall groups. Taken together, ‘taste’ and ‘convenience’ were the most important factors for all groups, while ‘nutrition of food’ and ‘addition of condiments’ scored relatively low on the satisfaction in all groups. Therefore, we recommend for the growth of the convenience store lunchbox market, that it is necessary to improve the quality of the lunchbox by developing various menus based on lifestyle group and fortifying nutrition.

Beef Consumption Behavior amongst Korean Women: A Study Based on the Demographic Characteristics and Food-Related Lifestyle

Beef Consumption Behavior amongst Korean Women: A Study Based on the Demographic Characteristics and Food-Related Lifestyle

Determinants of Ready-to-Cook Seafood Consumption by Food-related Lifestyle

Determinants of Ready-to-Cook Seafood Consumption by Food-related Lifestyle

Who Buys Surplus Meals? An Exploratory Survey in Danish Canteens.

Food waste has received increasing attention over the last decade, owing to its economic, environmental, and social impacts. Much of the existing research has investigated consumers' buying behaviour towards sub-optimal and upcycle food, but surplus meal buying behaviours are poorly understood. Thus, this study performed consumer segmentation through a modular food-related lifestyle (MFRL) instrument and determined consumers' buying behaviour towards surplus meals in canteens employing the theory of reasoned action (TRA). A survey was conducted using a validated questionnaire from a convenient sample of 460 Danish canteen users. Four food-related lifestyle consumer segments were identified by employing k-means segmentation: Conservative (28%), Adventurous (15%), Uninvolved (12%), and Eco-moderate (45%). The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis indicated that attitudes and subjective norms were significantly influencing surplus meal buying intention to further influence buying behaviour. Environmental objective knowledge was significantly influencing environmental concerns to further influence attitudes and behavioural intention. However, environmental objective knowledge had no significant influence on attitude towards surplus meals. Male consumers with higher education, those having higher food responsibility and lower food involvement, and convenience scores had higher surplus food buying behaviour. The results can be used to inform policymakers, marketers, business professionals, and practitioners to promote surplus meals in canteens or similar settings.

Leveraging Food-Related Values for Impact in Community Nutrition Education Programs (Interventions)

This study draws attention to the potential benefits of leveraging food values to amplify the impact of nutrition education programs. The study has collected data via a telephone survey from 417 randomly selected residents in Guilford County in the state of North Carolina. In our analysis, we have identified and used three underlying dimensions (ethical, social environmental and sensory) that summarize and capture the meaning of food-related values instead of a list of food values commonly used in the literature. Researchers have then used these dimensions as clustering variables to produce three segments from the data: value-positive, value-negative, and hedonic. Results show that residents in the value positive segment had positive perceptions of all values, those in value negative segment had negative perception of all values, and those in the hedonic segment had only positive perception of sensory values. A key finding is that value-positive residents have healthier food-related lifestyles and food-related behaviors than residents in the other segments. Interventions should focus on value-negative and hedonic residents and emphasize value-based education tailored to strengthening social/environmental and ethical food values. To ensure success, interventions should graft healthier lifestyle habits and behaviors on familiar behaviors and lifestyle.

A cross-country analysis of how food-related lifestyles impact consumers' attitudes towards microalgae consumption

Algae as novel food is a promising alternative protein source due to its potential contribution to healthier and sustainable food consumption. From this background, we analyze attitudes towards microalgae as food in three Western European countries (Germany, France, and the Netherlands). In addition to insights across countries and gender, we use the food-related lifestyle instrument with its 23 dimensions to explain heterogeneity in attitudes towards microalgae as food. We found pronounced heterogeneity across countries and across gender. Taken together, our results show that the target group for microalgae as food in these Western European countries prefers a healthy lifestyle, is open to try new food and recipes, and is characterized by vegetarian or low meat consumption. These consumers also have a focus on organic production and are interested in the availability of food product information. Further, we could confirm that the price of microalgae must be competitive to meat and meat-based products to increase positive attitudes. From this, our findings contribute to the body of knowledge with respect to drivers and barriers of consumer preference for microalgae as food. In particular, we provide important implications for food producers and marketers, who are interested in increasing acceptance and market share for microalgae as food.

Understanding different types of consumers: A multi-group analysis based on convenience food-related lifestyle

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;The primary objective of this study is to identify categories of organic food consumers based on the CFL (convenience food related lifestyle). Secondarily, this study explores characteristics, motivations/barriers in consumption and perception regarding to self-focus perception (such as perceived consequence of purchasing organic food) and altruistic behaviour (such as recycling behavior and perception of transportation) in different CFL. 1,262 valid samples are collected in this study. Moderate, convenience-pursuing and quality-pursuing categories are separated by cluster analysis. Consumer attitudes toward ready-made meals and takeaway meal solutions, perceived consequences of purchasing organic food, purchase frequency and quantity are differential, and the influence of organic food purchasing perception of consequence on altruistic behaviour are differences in CFL. Only consumers who purchase organic food motivated by environmental concerns are able to improve their recycling behavior. This study believes that the CFL framework has enhanced the understanding of consumer buying behavior and characteristics.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;