Sustainable Food Consumption Research Articles

Personal and community values behind sustainable food consumption: a meta-ethnography

Various aspects of sustainable food consumption have been studied within the Social Sciences in the last years. Specifically, the analysis of motivations and determinants behind alternative economic practices has gained prominence in disciplines such as Sociology, Psychology, Economics and Marketing, seeking to understand, measure and calculate consumers’ decision-making processes and actions through the application of cognitive theories and qualitative predictive models. Anthropology—more specifically through the practice of ethnography—, has also made significant contributions, mostly toward the analysis and description of contemporary cooperative experiences, both in rural and urban settings. However, within this field, few studies have focused on the underlying values, as well as the symbolic, emotional/affective, and identity-based incentives that exist behind the participation in sustainable, pro-environmental, organic, and fair-trade food initiatives. This kind of perspective might help in comprehending how different people or social groups conceptualize their habits and link them to certain representations or beliefs. At the same time, it can provide information about the way in which action-related values appear in discourse and become embodied, whether they are uniform, conflicting, precede practice or emerge as a post-personal reflection of those involved. Through a review, synthesis, and analysis of qualitative literature—meta-ethnography—this paper seeks to present an overview of available academic work on the social, political, personal, material, and ethical reasons associated with partaking in alternative food networks. The findings will be analyzed and discussed in relation to a constructivist perspective, as well as debates around identity, social distinction, and gender.

Understanding the acquisition, usage, and disposal behaviours in sustainable food consumption: A framework for future studies

Food sustains human life, but household food consumption impacts negatively on the environment. Therefore, many studies in the literature focus on sustainable food consumption. However, these studies are quite fragmented and study only some aspects of food consumption. By applying the thematic analysis approach to available studies in the literature, this research aims to build a framework covering all three phases of food consumption: the acquisition phase (purchasing ingredients), usage phase (cooking, eating, sharing leftover food), and disposal phase (food waste). The framework proposed in this research can become a more comprehensive reference source for future studies in sustainable food consumption topics. In specific, policymakers can use this framework to design effective campaigns/policies to promote sustainable food consumption practices of their residents. Future researchers can reference this framework to conduct more comprehensive studies on sustainable food consumption topics.

Policy for sustainable consumption – an assessment of Swedish municipalities

IntroductionMunicipalities have a key role to play in developing and implementing policy for sustainable consumption, yet the evidence on the extent of municipalities’ work in this area and the constraining and enabling factors they face in this endeavor is sparse. This study examines municipal policies for sustainable consumption and their implementation, using food consumption in Sweden as an example.MethodIt combines data from a nationwide survey, policy document analysis, and a two-year in-depth investigation into two municipalities that serve as case studies.ResultsFindings show that Swedish municipalities have several policies in place related to sustainable food consumption. They use multiple policy instruments to target specific areas of food consumption, and are positive about their current and potential impact in specific areas such as sustainable school meals and tackling food waste. However, municipalities face multiple challenges in delivering sustainable food consumption, including lack of resources and knowledge in some areas. If there is a lack of political support, it can also be a major inhibiting factor. The municipalities welcome national-level strategy, rules and regulations that are supportive of their goals. They rely on good data collection and strong networks and stakeholder relationships to enable their work.DiscussionMany of the latest recommendations for a comprehensive policy approach to sustainable food consumption are yet to be applied at the municipal level in Sweden. There was little evidence of the use of systems thinking and practices-based approaches for policy design for example. Likewise, strong visions and strategic approaches to food were also lacking. The least coercive, informative policy instruments remain most popular. However, this study did reveal several existing areas where there are strong policy foundations from which these approaches might be developed, such as innovative ways to engage different target groups and a suitable policy mix to deliver specific objectives. Tackling the identified constraints and expanding the enabling factors could further the work on sustainable food consumption at the municipal level in Sweden and provide insights for other countries and studies at the local level.

Blockchain technology for enhancing sustainable food systems: A consumer perspective

SummaryThis paper explores the potential of blockchain technology (BCT) in promoting sustainable food production and consumption (SFPC) from a consumer perspective. India, a significant global food producer, faces challenges related to affordability and food logistics due to transport and labour constraints. Food safety concerns, that is, foodborne illnesses and quality issues, alongside unexpected events like COVID‐19 and geopolitical conflicts, threaten SFPC. In recent times, consumer focus has shifted a lot towards food safety and security. The study adopted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify the factors strengthening consumer trust through BCT. The EFA helped classify the items into five factors, that is, reliability, sustainability, impact on health, trust and switching intentions. The results reveal that these factors are the most significant reasons consumers are willing to accept a blockchain‐enabled food system over a traditional system. The study findings will benefit organisations willing to introduce blockchain within their operations to improve the consumer base. It will also prove to be helpful for researchers and academicians to understand consumer perspectives towards BCT for SFPC.

Eye-Tracking Studies on Sustainable Food Consumption: A Systematic Literature Review

In recent decades, sustainable products have been increasingly investigated using eye-tracking. Eye-tracking is applied to the record eye movements and visual attention of consumers as they search for food, and from this, conclusions can be drawn about their sustainable food consumption. To obtain a comparative overview of the previous utilization of eye-tracking in studies on sustainable food and consumption, a systematic literature search following the guidelines of the PRISMA statement was applied. In total, 38 eye-tracking studies were identified, with six main areas of investigation emerging: eye-tracking application, labeling, consumer attention, consumer choice and preference, consumer attitude and behavior, and willingness-to-pay. The review is aimed at both researchers and managers. In future research, the sample size of eye-tracking should be increased or focused on certain age groups in order to uncover sustainable consumer habits. In addition, field and not just laboratory studies with eye-tracking need to be conducted. To obtain comparable results, it is necessary that researchers apply the same eye-tracking metrics and terms. Organic labels can influence consumer attention and purchase decisions if bottom-up factors of the labels are better aligned with other product information. Top-down factors, i.e., consumer attitude and choice, must also be taken into account.

Exploring the role of consumer ethnocentrism in predicting the purchase intention for locally produced organic food in an emerging market

PurposeThe current study investigates the role of consumer ethnocentrism (CE) in the context of locally produced organic food. This research work further extends the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model by examining the mediating effect of extended TPB variables (ATT, SN, PBC, PV) between CE and PI for locally produced organic food.Design/methodology/approachData were obtained from the visitors of two shopping malls situated in a large, heavily populated city of India using survey method. Further, two-step approach was applied to analyze the hypothesized model.FindingsFindings indicate that CE is a substantial determinant of PI for locally produced organic food. Moreover, extended TPB mediates the relation between CE and PI for locally produced organic food.Practical implicationsPost Covid-19, market size of organic food is rapidly growing in India. In this regard, this study presents useful implications for the marketers of organic food for gaining better consumer insights to further develop appropriate marketing strategies.Originality/valueCE has been found to be a useful predictor of their food attitudes. However, studies, investigating the role of CE in the context of sustainable food consumption, are scant. Moreover, studies exploring the mediating effect of extended TPB variables are also very limited.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING FOOD WASTE IN SCHOOLS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Purpose and aim of the study: As the transition to a circular economy (CE) and the reduction of food waste is a priority strategic goal for policy planning at global and European Union (EU) level, but food waste in catering has become a major sustainability issue, the aim of the paper is to identify CE strategies to reducing food waste in schools based on a systematic literature review.Design / Methodology / Approach: The research employed qualitative methods: five-step systematic literature review methodology by Denyer & Tranfield, (2009), analysis and synthesis, as well as the monographic method. The literature was selected using the databases Google Scholar, MDPI, ScienceDirect and Scopus.Main Findings: Based on the systematic literature review, approaches for implementing CE strategies to reduce food waste in school canteens were discovered.Originality: This study provides a new perspective on the implementation of CE “R strategies” to reduce food waste in schools.Implications: The results of the study can be a basis for school and canteen administration to implement CE policies and waste management practices that will promote responsible food consumption and support sustainable food consumption and waste reduction strategies, and create added value for school canteens, the environment and society in general.

Access, health, re‐conhecimento: Co‐crafted Brazilian discourses on sustainable food

AbstractAcademic discourse on food justice and sustainable food consumption needs to be informed by empirical contributions and heterogenous conceptualisations from diverse parts of the world. This paper broadens the dialogue with a variety of voices and knowledges, rooting itself not only in the specific political and social context, but also the discursive and epistemic traditions of Brazil, which stand in dialogue with international discourses. Firstly, an analysis is offered of the multi‐stakeholder process that since the mid‐1990s shaped the discourse, theorisation and policy making on food justice and sustainable food consumption in Brazil. Emerging from this process were globally leading Brazilian policy initiatives such as Zero Hunger, the School Feeding Program, the progressive Food Guide, and co‐crafted concepts such as comida de verdade. The institutional architecture for this discourse, the National Food Council and regular conferences, were dismantled in 2019 after a change in government. Secondly, the paper presents data from 30 interviews with key stakeholders from civil society, policy, business, media and celebrity influencers, conducted at the time of the dissolution. Three key subdiscourses on sustainable food consumption emerge: access, with an emphasis on right to food; health; and re‐conhecimento, a term we use to articulate the confluence of multiple knowledges and consciousnesses, including an insistence on the cultural role of food. Throughout the interviews, co‐crafted concepts and phrases emerging from the multistakeholder process reverberated. The paper argues that the multi‐stakeholder process resulted not just in a coherent shared discourse, concepts and policy during a period of conducive policy environment, but also in collective resilience. The invisible edifice of shared ideas and commitments around this public issue is still intact and may be reactivated in future. In times of increased political polarisation, not just in Brazil, this is an important argument for investing in such long‐term multi‐stakeholder dialogue processes.

Determinants and success of engagement in circular bioeconomy practices in African food systems

Ending hunger and ensuring sustainable food production and consumption patterns globally, as outlined in the United Nations 2030 agenda of sustainable development goals (SDGs), cannot be accomplished through a linear resource use model that has proven to be non-restorative and unsustainable. Therefore, a more sustainable model of resource use - the circular bioeconomy (CB) - has been proposed as an alternative to achieve circular, resilient, and sustainable food systems. This approach can help achieve strategic SDGs reliably. However, there is currently insufficient evidence regarding the factors that contribute successfully to the likelihood of engagement in CB practices, particularly in smallholder households in vulnerable global regions such as Africa. To address the breach, this study evaluated three pairs of CB practices, and multivariate probit regressions were applied to identify the factors that influence smallholders' engagement in CB practices. The study aimed to predict the probabilities of engagement among smallholders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Rwanda, and South Africa. The results showed that sorting organic from inorganic waste and using organic waste as compost had a 31 % likelihood of contributing to successful engagement in CB practices while sorting waste and using organic waste as livestock feed contributed to such success by 17 %. Using organic waste as compost and livestock, feed had the lowest success rate of 11 %. Thus, CB innovations that promote combinations of CB practices among smallholders, particularly those that involve sorting waste and using organic waste as compost, have a higher chance of succeeding in achieving circular food systems.

The big business of sustainable food production and consumption: Exploring the transition to alternative proteins.

A widespread sense of the unsustainability of the food system has taken hold in recent years, leading to calls for fundamental change. The role of animal agriculture is central to many of these debates, leading to interest in the possibility of a "protein transition," whereby the production and consumption of animal-derived foods is replaced with plant-based substitutes or "alternative proteins." Despite the potential sustainability implications of this transition, the developmental trajectories and transformative potential of the associated technologies remain underexplored. This article sheds light on these dynamics by addressing two questions: 1) how have alternative protein innovations developed over the past three decades, and 2) what explains their more recent acceleration? To answer these questions, the article makes an empirical analysis of four alternative protein innovations, and the partial destabilization of the animal agriculture system between 1990 and 2021, guided by the multi-level perspective. The analysis highlights an intensification in corporate engagement with alternative protein development and diffusion. This intensification is judged to be consistent with the beginnings of a wider corporate reorientation, occurring alongside a rise in pressures on the animal agriculture system, notably an increasing scientific consensus and societal awareness of the links between climate change and meat-intensive diets. The paper demonstrates how differences in technological maturity across the niche innovations have resulted in potentially transformative pressures, which are consistent with an emerging sustainability transition, manifesting differently in terms of the extent of diffusion of the alternative protein niches.

Nudging Toward Sustainable Food Consumption at University Canteens: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

IntroductionThis systematic literature review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of the nudging approach toward sustainable food consumption in the university canteen context. MethodsThe systematic literature search was carried out in 5 databases, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and the Royal Library, identifying 14 eligible studies and selecting 9 articles containing adequate information for meta-analysis. The nudging strategies were classified using the typology of interventions in the proximal physical microenvironments framework that resulted in 5 different intervention types: availability, position, size, presentation, and information that belonged to either intervention class-altering properties or placement. ResultsThe study identified presentation, availability, and information as the most promising nudge intervention for achieving sustainable food consumption at the university canteen or similar settings. Nudging by altering the properties had a small effect size (d = 0.16), and nudging by altering placement showed a medium effect size (d = 0.21). DiscussionNudging interventions implemented after understanding consumers’ current behavior showed positive effectiveness toward sustainable food consumption rather than implementing random nudges. Conclusions and ImplicationsIt is important that future studies aim to achieve sustainable food consumption by understanding canteen user food preferences and food choice motives before designing a nudging strategy.

Designing climate labels for green food choices

The food we eat plays a large role in greenhouse gas emissions. Climate labeling is one way to increase sustainable food consumption by making consumers mindful of their consumption choices. Many initiatives communicate food’s climate impact; however, it is unclear whether these labels are effective in changing food consumption behavior. Based on a review of climate label research and existing labels, three label designs were created and tested in an experimental online survey with a convenience sample of 249 Austrian residents (63.9% female; 54.2% aged 18–29 years) to determine whether the visual communication of a food product’s climate footprint influences food choices. Compared to no climate impact labels, communicating the climate footprint nudged participants towards climate friendlier food choices in half of the product choice sets (meat, grains, broccoli, and tomatoes). Label designs B and C consistently led to more sustainable choices. Not all labels were equally effective, suggesting that label design is key in stimulating climate-friendlier choices. The design features used to convey climate impact can better help consumers understand the impact of food and make more informed decisions when food shopping, however we find that how these features come together in a label design also play a role. Producers looking to convey their products' impact are advised to not only consider what information they put on their packaging (i.e., climate footprint) but also how this information is presented (i.e., holistic design of climate labels).

Sustainable Consumption in the Behavior of Young Consumers

The aim of the article is to characterize the attitude of young consumers towards the concept of sustainable consumption in the area of food consumption, which is manifested, among others, in the declared engagement in sustainable behaviors both in the market as well as in households. The research was conducted using the CAWI method on a sample of Polish consumers from the Lubuskie region. The article consists of two parts. The first part explores the problems of sustainable consumption. The second part presents the results of research on consumer attitudes towards the concept of sustainable consumption in the area of food consumption. Particular attention was paid to the awareness of the implications of consumer behavior in the process of satisfying food needs. Behaviors, attitudes and beliefs of consumers related to sustainable consumption were characterized, and an attempt was subsequently made to determine the extent of the gap existing between behaviors and attitudes. The conducted survey research constituted an attempt at highlighting certain consumption problems among young people, to have them share their views on the different issues of sustainable consumption, as well as to emphasize the importance of various factors in shaping sustainable food consumption patterns. The article certainly is not an exhaustive examination of all the problems areas of sustainable consumption, but it should make these more easily identifiable all while stressing the real role and importance of sustainable behaviors among young consumers in the modern economy.
 Keywords: sustainable consumption, sustainable development, young consumer.

Encouraging sustainable food consumption through nudges: An experiment with menu labels

Finding ways to steer consumers' food choices towards vegetarian and plant-based meals is important to reduce our diets' environmental impact. This paper investigates how nudges in restaurants can be effectively used to increase sales of vegetarian and plant-based dishes. We partnered with two restaurants, which can host up to 130 guests in total and are in the same building, and we tested the effect of three nudge-based interventions on the sales of vegetarian and plant-based dishes. We found that removing the symbols for vegetarian and plant-based dishes increased the sales of those starters by 10.2 pp., and of those mains by 6.2 pp. When a low emissions symbol was added to the menu to replace the symbols for vegetarian and plant-based dishes, it did not affect sales. However, when the same nudge was made transparent through a statement explaining its purpose on the menu, the sales of those starters increased by 14.1 pp. This result suggests that nudges can be used ethically and still be effective. Overall, these findings support the use of nudges as cost-effective interventions to tackle the issue of unsustainable food consumption in the hospitality sector.

Sustainable Food Consumption in India: A Systematic Review

Purpose: In order to thoroughly review and synthesise the available literature on sustainable food consumption practises in India, the research paper Sustainable Food Consumption in India: A Systematic Review was created. The purpose of the paper is to highlight significant developments, obstacles, and chances in relation to national food consumption, distribution, and production patterns that are sustainable. The study will assess the efficiency of various sustainable food initiatives, policies, and interventions in fostering environmental, social, and economic sustainability in the Indian food system using a systematic review method. The goal of this study is to help policymakers, entrepreneurs, and consumers create a more resilient and sustainable food system in India by analysing the present level of sustainable food consumption in that nation.
 Results: The findings suggest the need for comprehensive policies, support for sustainable agriculture, promotion of local food systems, and collaborative efforts between stakeholders.
 Conclusion: This research contributes to the understanding of sustainable food consumption in India. With this, sustainable food consumption in India can improve food security and the environment, according to the systematic study. This study provides the sources to help policymakers, academics, and stakeholders develop sustainable food consumption practises in India and a more resilient, ecologically friendly food system.

Nudging Chinese consumers to embrace sustainable milk consumption: How should information be provided?

AbstractChina's per capita dairy consumption has been far below the intake level recommended by the World Health Organization. Since the dairy industry is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, the recently launched “Double‐Carbon” goals in China may also suppress the supply of dairy products, further reducing Chinese residents' dairy intake. While the notion of sustainable (i.e., nutritious and environmentally friendly) food consumption has recently gained popularity in the policy arena, whether Chinese milk consumers are ready to embrace this notion and what specific measures can effectively promote sustainable milk consumption in China remain unclear. On the basis of a discrete choice experiment, this paper examines how information nudges (i.e., randomly provided messages with different contents and details) may steer Chinese consumers into choosing liquid milk products with attributes that are more nutritious and environmentally friendly. Our analysis, involving 839 consumers randomly selected from Beijing, China, shows that consumers value carbon labels the most, followed by nutrition claims, sustainable production claims, and energy conservation certificates. Meanwhile, nutrition information induces consumers to place higher values on nutrition claims; in contrast, environmental information raises consumers' willingness to choose environmental sustainability‐related attributes. Finally, the concreteness of the information provided strengthens these effects [EconLit Citations: D12, Q01, Q13, Q18].

Would Altruistic Consumers Place A Higher Value on Sustainable Foods?

To advance sustainable food systems, it is necessary to explore consumer preferences and valuations of sustainable food labels. This study utilizes a discrete choice experiment to examine consumers' willingness to pay for various sustainable labels using a 12 oz ground coffee package and investigates the impact of altruism orientation on consumer valuation of sustainable coffee. The results from US consumers surveyed in spring 2020 indicate that the USDA organic claim commands the highest price premium, followed by the Carbon Trust and Fairtrade labels. Furthermore, individuals' altruism orientation positively and significantly influences their preference and willingness to pay for sustainable labels, with selfless individuals valuing them more. These findings offer insights into effectively promoting sustainable food consumption through targeting consumer subgroups and prioritizing fair trade and organic foods over newer green labels.

Investigating and stimulating sustainable dairy consumption behavior: An exploratory study in Vietnam

Responsible consumption and production patterns have been defined as a stand-alone Sustainable Development Goal, hence ensuring its achievement sits high on national and international policy agendas. Getting a better understanding of food consumer behavior towards sustainable patterns could help achieve this goal. This study aims to address this issue by exploring drivers and barriers to sustainable dairy consumption in Vietnam. It also identifies potential policy interventions that could promote more sustainable dairy consumption. To achieve these, the research carried out five focus groups and adopted the Capability–Opportunity–Motivation Behavior model and the Behavior Change Wheel. The analysis explores 32 drivers and 14 barriers influencing sustainable dairy consumption behavior. Health, brand and product quality, family, and promotion are the most prominent drivers, while price, habits, and taste are the most prominent barriers. The findings show that though the awareness and level of sustainable dairy consumption are still low, there is a positive trend toward sustainable dairy consumption in Vietnam. The study also identifies several intervention actions for policymakers, firm managers, and other supply chain decision-makers. These are related to building capability, increasing motivation, and promoting opportunities. Vietnam's results are similar to the findings of other research conducted in Europe, hence reinforcing the existing literature on sustainable food consumption. While consolidating the current state of the art, the study is particularly relevant to decision-makers and practitioners in Vietnam in achieving food sustainability policy goals.

“I guess it's quite trendy”: A qualitative insight into young meat-eaters’ sustainable food consumption habits and perceptions towards current and future protein alternatives

As the market for sustainable food continues to expand, there is a need to understand how consumers’ consumption habits and perceptions are changing. Targeting the younger populations is of interest as they arguably will shape the future of food. Therefore, the present study aimed to provide in-depth consumer insights on a range of topics from current consumption habits (i.e., meat reduction, plant-based meat/seafood (PBM/S)), towards future protein alternatives (i.e., cell-based meat/seafood (CBM/S), precision fermented dairy (PFD)). Online focus groups were conducted in the UK with meat-eaters (n = 38) aged 18–34. Codebook thematic analysis was applied using the Framework Matrix as a tool for data analysis. Key themes were presented using the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation), which identified areas of behavioural change. Results found a trend towards meat reduction, partially initiated by moving away from home and limited food budgets. Overall, participants acknowledged the environmental impact of food, but a notable knowledge gap was apparent when quantifying the effect, especially for dairy and seafood. Compared to PBM, few participants had tried PBS products, partially due to lower availability and familiarity. Enablers for PBM/S included convenience, positive sensory experiences and the influence of others, whilst barriers related to negative health connotations and over-processing. For CBM/S and PFD, animal welfare, curiosity and optimised nutrition acted as enablers, whilst barriers related to wider consumer acceptance, affordability and unnaturalness. In general, participants felt changing food consumption habits can have an impact on climate change and were optimistic about novel technologies supporting future protein transitions. Increasing public understanding around the environmental impact of food, especially seafood and dairy, and prioritising the affordability of sustainable food are suggested as intervention strategies to encourage sustainable food consumption.

The power of climate labels the search for an optimal label design

AbstractThe importance of finding new, innovative ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions has received increased attention. Climate labels are a means for this, where the life cycle emissions of a product are often given in combination with an icon. This article surveys the phenomenon of climate labels while varying their design to prompt more sustainable food consumption. Recipe boxes were selected as an example emphasizing the increasing popularity of shopping for groceries online. An online choice experiment was conducted where Danish respondents selected recipe boxes in two different scenarios: (a) the ‘all‐or‐nothing’ (binary) approach with a binary label on low‐emitting choices only and (b) the three‐tier rank‐order approach, where all meals are assigned a graphical rating. By assigning recipe boxes scores ranking from 0 to 2 based on the level of climate pollution, a measurement of the total score from a choice of recipe boxes made it possible to compare the effect of the two different approaches for climate labelling. Statistical tests indicated a significant difference between the two types of climate labels and their persuasive effect on consumer choice. They revealed that the three‐tier rank‐order approach results in more sustainable consumption than the binary approach. In demographics, younger individuals and females proved to be the most conscious in their choices.