Why are more consumers buying more plant-based foods than ever before, regardless of their dietary preferences? The EIT (European Institute of Innovation and Technology) researched the reasons for choosing plant-based foods.
1) Health reasons: Concerns such as allergies, aesthetic motivations (e.g., weight loss), and nutrition-related health issues encourage individuals to seek alternative diets to traditional animal products.
2) Sustainability and animal welfare: Extensive data and insights on animal welfare, along with increased awareness of the impact of animal products on the environment and climate change, are steering consumers toward more ethical choices.
3) Curiosity: Interest in variety and trying new textures, flavors, and concepts beyond the familiar inspires consumers.
4) Feeling good: Actively reducing animal products to create a positive impact makes consumers feel good.
5) Unintentional consumption: There are consumers who do not consciously aim to consume plant-based products, but choose them and even consume them by chance.
6) Taste preferences: The increasing availability and variety of plant-based products are encouraging consumers to try alternatives to their favorite foods.
7) Accessibility: Plant-based products are becoming more readily available in regular supermarkets and environments familiar to consumers. Well-known brands now offer plant-based products.
8) Habit and adaptation: Taste preferences and familiarity with products are influential.
9) Lack of trust: Consumers are becoming increasingly cautious about the quality of animal-based foods in the context of animal welfare and hygiene concerns in the meat industry.
10) Culture and socialization: Plant-based foods are becoming increasingly accepted today. They have become part of consumers’ culture and identity.
11) Trends and fashion: Increasing popularity and visibility in mainstream media and social media are directing consumers’ interest towards trying new plant-based foods.
12) Product variety: A wide variety of products are available, primarily dairy alternatives and meat alternatives.
13) Religious reasons: Consumers who avoid certain animal products may choose plant-based alternatives to add variety to their diets.
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