Numerous public initiatives aim to influence individual food choices by informing about what is considered ‘healthy’, ‘climate-friendly’, and generally ‘sustainable’ food. However, research suggests that rather than public authorities, social influence is more likely to affect people’s behaviour. Using a randomised controlled trial, this study investigated if and how the two kinds of influences (factual versus social) could affect the real-life, self-reported intake of plant- and animal-based foods. In a four-month randomised controlled trial, a self-selected sample of adults living in Sweden (N = 237) tracked their daily food consumption several times per week using a tailored mobile phone app. Participants were randomised into one of three groups: two treatment groups receiving factual or social information about plant- and animal-based food consumption, or a control group receiving no information. Pre- and post-questionnaires provided additional background information about the participants. Participants’ food habits varied from week to week, and an explorative analysis pointed to a slight decrease in the consumption of animal-based food in the group that received social information. However, the longer-term patterns remained relatively constant in all groups, showing no substantial shift regardless of the kind of cues that the participants received. By investigating the roles of two common types of information about food and dietary change, the results contribute to discussions about how and by whom effective and efficient measures can be implemented to transform food habits. The results suggest there is limited potential for sustained and substantial behavioural changes through both social and factual information campaigns.

As the demand for plant-based meat analogues (PBMAs) continues to surge globally, understanding the marketing strategies that drive consumer choice becomes imperative(1). This research project, part of a larger study at Massey University, explores the design and packaging of vegan food products, specifically focusing on processed PBMAs and how this influences vegan diet consumption choices in New Zealand vegans. We examined the packaging of vegan processed food available in New Zealand supermarkets and those promoted online, with a focus on processed PBMAs. This informed the development of an online survey including: demographics, motivations for following a vegan diet, and questions related to perceptions and preferences about vegan diets and processed PBMA packaging. The survey was offered to individuals who had previously participated in vegan research at Massey University and followed a strict vegan diet. There were 235 participants of whom 198 completed the survey. This consisted of primarily females (n = 156, 74%) and individuals of New Zealand European descent (n = 159, 71%), aged 18 to 76 years (37.8 ± 12.3). The participants had varying durations of following a vegan diet, with the largest group (n = 87, 42%) adopting it for 5 to 10 years. The primary motivation for following a vegan diet was animal welfare (n = 205), followed by environmental concerns (n = 189) and health (n = 175). Participants were able to select more than one option, suggesting there are often multiple reasons for choosing to follow a vegan diet. Factors influencing purchase decisions for PBMAs included nutrient claims on packaging, with protein having the highest positive influence. Environmental concerns also played a significant role, with eco-friendly packaging and positive environmental claims being important. Packaging images, particularly of the final prepared product, had a significantly positive impact on purchasing decisions (4.12 ± 0.78) where 1 represented a negative influence and 5 represented a positive influence on a Likert Scale. The majority sometimes, or always checked the nutrition information panel (n = 167, 85%) and examined the ingredients (n = 191, 98%). Participants reported concern about the nutritional value of processed PBMAs (n = 94), and reported that they are aware that these foods are classified as ‘ultra-processed (n = 91). This research provides valuable insights into the reasons people choose vegan diets and what influences their choices when it comes to purchasing PBMAs. It highlights the significance of marketing strategies in the plant-based meat alternatives industry. However, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this evolving market, further research is necessary. Future research should consider a wider range of demographics and regional distinctions to better understand how consumer preferences in plant-based diets are changing. This should also include looking at how the market is maturing, with buyers becoming more aware of things like nutrients and the processing of food, which can impact the sustainable food choices individuals make.

Consumer interest in plant-based diets has increased, alongside significant growth in the availability of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives in supermarkets(1). The nutritional profile of these products is likely to vary due to the broad range of ingredients used(2). Food composition databases, such as the Australian Food Composition Database (AFCD), are used extensively in research, practice, and policy, including by nutrition and dietetics researchers and health professionals to identify the nutrient content of foods. However, it is unclear if, and to what extent, the AFCD data on plant-based alternatives reflects the current food supply. This study aimed to examine the range and composition of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives available in Australian supermarkets and compare this with the AFCD. Data on core plant-based meat and dairy alternatives were collected from eight Melbourne supermarkets between June and October 2022 using the CSIRO FoodTrackTM database methodology(3). Products were included if they were i) meat or dairy substitutes outlined in the AFCD; or ii) plant-based alternatives for core meat and dairy included in the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Product images were taken, and data was transcribed. Products collected in supermarkets were then ‘matched’ to the most appropriate reference item in the AFCD. In total, 455 meat alternatives (n = 219 legumes/pulses; n = 178 meat substitutes; n = 38 tofu/tempeh; n = 20 sausages) and 249 dairy alternatives (n = 157 milk; n = 52 cheese; n = 40 yoghurt) were identified. Over half of the plant-based meat substitutes (n = 102; 57%) were made from a soy/wheat/pea base protein. Of the dairy alternatives, just over half of the cheese substitutes had coconut as their main ingredient (n = 28; 54%), and almost two-thirds of yoghurts were coconut-based (n = 28; 70%). The majority of the 157 milks were oat-based (n = 57; 37%), followed by almond (n = 45; 29%), and soy (n = 27; 17%). Many supermarket products were not reflected in the AFCD, including over two-thirds of dairy alternatives (n = 159; 67%), and one-third of meat alternatives (n = 150; 33%). This was due to more product options within categories, such as the variety of canned beans/legumes (n = 96) and flavoured milk substitutes (n = 34) available in supermarkets, and a greater variety of main ingredients used, most notably for cheese substitutes (n = 52). This study highlights that the range of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives available in Australian supermarkets is diverse, with many different base ingredients used, and a great range of products available in-store than in the AFCD. Findings highlight the challenges of food composition databases in keeping up to date with the fast-growing plant-based sector. Outcomes from this study have implications for the monitoring of the food supply and population level dietary data.

Replacing dietary animal protein with plant protein has a positive impact on greenhouse gas emissions(1) and preventing death from chronic disease(2). Despite being ideally situated to re-design menus, foodservices in hospitals have not focused on changing protein sources(3). Implementation in hospitals requires cooperation from stakeholders across the foodservice system e.g., managers, dietitians, menu planners, purchasers, cooks. A qualitative descriptive study design using semi-structured interviews explored perspectives of hospital foodservice stakeholders on increasing the proportion of plant to animal protein in hospital patient menus and outlined actions required to do this. Interviews were based on participatory backcasting with a “desirable future” defined as hospital patient menus containing, on average, more plant-based protein foods (PBPF) (i.e., legumes, nuts, plant-based meat alternatives) than animal-based protein foods (ABPF) (i.e., beef, lamb, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy) by the year 2050. Analysis was completed using a general inductive approach. Thirty-five stakeholders participated (foodservice dietitians n = 10; foodservice managers, n = 6; dietetic professional leads n = 4; chef/cooks n = 4; information technology n = 4; manager [contracts] n = 4; manager [other] n = 3). Most (n = 25) supported patient menu changes to increase the proportion of plant to animal protein foods, though all described barriers. Common concerns were that patients wouldn’t eat the meals (n = 32), that menu re-design would have a negative impact on protein intake and malnutrition rates (n = 30), and that cost of PBPF was too high making the change unfeasible (n = 25). Benefits were an improvement in the nutrition profile of the menu and subsequent improvement to health (n = 16), lower cost of legumes compared to meat (n = 10), improvements in greenhouse gas emissions (n = 10) and opportunity to use the menu as an education tool (n = 8). We developed a model describing the required actions which began with a trigger for change followed by a cyclical design process, preparation, implementation and monitoring. The cyclical design process included stakeholder consultation, setting a target, choosing a strategy, developing a menu and recipes, finding product, planning the system and operation, and checking it worked. Participants valued gradual changes and maintaining choice during the change process. When prompted about specific strategies, stakeholders were most supportive of replacing ABPF with PBPFs in familiar recipes or replacing entire menu items (n = 21), adding PBPF options (n = 25), and moving PBPFs before ABPF-based items on the menu (n = 22). Hospital foodservices and policy makers wishing to increase the proportion of plant to animal protein in hospital patient menus can use the process and actions identified to plan pathways and communicate these to stakeholders. Future research should explore strategies for increasing the proportion of plant to animal protein while maintaining some ABPF on hospital menus, and evaluating effects of changes uptake, cost, estimated greenhouse gas emissions, satisfaction, dietary intake and health outcomes.

Plant-based diets have emerged as athletic performance enhancers for various types of exercise. Therefore, the present study evaluated the effectiveness of plant-based diets on aerobic and strength/power performances, as well as on BMI of physically active individuals. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted and reported according to the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. A systematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus, was performed. On the basis of the search and inclusion criteria, four and six studies evaluating the effects of plant-based diets on aerobic and strength/power performances in humans were, respectively, included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Plant-based diets had a moderate but positive effect on aerobic performance (0·55; 95 % CI 0·29, 0·81) and no effect on strength/power performance (–0·30; 95 % CI −0·67, 0·07). The altogether analyses of both aerobic and strength/power exercises revealed that athletic performance was unchanged (0·01; 95 % CI −0·21, 0·22) in athletes who adopted plant-based diets. However, a small negative effect on BMI (–0·27; 95 % CI −0·40, –0·15) was induced by these diets. The results indicate that plant-based diets have the potential to exclusively assist aerobic performance. On the other hand, these diets do not jeopardise strength/power performance. Overall, the predicted effects of plant-based diets on physical performance are impactless, even though the BMI of their adherents is reduced.

An increasing number of food-based recommendations promote a plant-based diet to address health concerns and environmental sustainability in global food systems. As the main sources of iodine in many countries are fish, eggs and dairy products, it is unclear whether plant-based diets, such as the EAT-Lancet reference diet, would provide sufficient iodine. This is important as iodine, through the thyroid hormones, is required for growth and brain development; adequate iodine intake is especially important before, and during, pregnancy. In this narrative review, we evaluated the current literature and estimated iodine provision from the EAT-Lancet reference diet. There is evidence that those following a strict plant-based diet, such as vegans, cannot reach the recommended iodine intake from food alone and are reliant on iodine supplements. Using the EAT-Lancet reference diet intake recommendations in combination with iodine values from UK food tables, we calculated that the diet would provide 128 μg/d (85 % of the adult recommendation of 150 μg/d and 51–64 % of the pregnancy recommendation of 200–250 μg/d). However, if milk is replaced with unfortified plant-based alternatives, total iodine provision would be just 54 μg/d (34 % and 22–27 % of the recommendations for adults and pregnancy, respectively). Plant-based dietary recommendations might place consumers at risk of iodine deficiency in countries without a fortification programme and where animal products provide the majority of iodine intake, such as the UK and Norway. It is essential that those following a predominantly plant-based diet are given appropriate dietary advice to ensure adequate iodine intake.

Milk, dairy products, and fish are the main sources of iodine in the UK. Plant-based products are increasingly popular, especially with young women, which may affect iodine intake as they are naturally low in iodine; this is concerning as iodine is required for fetal brain development. We, aimed to (i) assess the iodine fortification of products sold as alternatives to milk, yoghurt, cheese and fish through a cross-sectional survey of UK retail outlets in 2020, and (ii) model the impact of substitution with such products on iodine intake, using portion-based scenarios. We identified 300 products, including plant-based alternatives to: (i) milk (n 146); (ii) yoghurt (n 76); (iii) cheese (n 67) and (iv) fish (n 11). After excluding organic products (n 48), which cannot be fortified, only 28 % (n 29) of milk alternatives and 6 % (n 4) of yoghurt alternatives were fortified with iodine, compared with 88 % (n 92) and 73 % (n 51), respectively, with Ca. No cheese alternative was fortified with iodine, but 55 % were fortified with Ca. None of the fish alternatives were iodine fortified. Substitution of three portions of dairy product (milk/yoghurt/cheese) per day with unfortified alternatives would reduce the iodine provided by 97·9 % (124 v. 2·6 µg) and substantially reduce the contribution to the adult intake recommendation (150 µg/d; 83 v. 1·8 %). Our study highlights that the majority of plant-based alternatives are not iodine fortified and that the use of unfortified alternatives put consumers at risk of iodine deficiency.

Plant-based (PB) diets are associated with good health and are also recommended for environmental sustainability. The present review aimed to summarise the definitions of PB diets globally and to investigate the nutritional role of PB diets in adults. This review found that there is a wide range of PB definitions ranging from the traditional vegetarian diets (including vegan) to semi-vegetarian/flexitarian diets. Furthermore, other diets which were originally developed due to their associations with positive health outcomes, such as the portfolio, Mediterranean-style, DASH, healthy US-style, planetary health and Nordic-style diets, have been encompassed in PB definitions due to their emphasis on certain PB components. This review has highlighted that those consuming a PB diet are more likely to meet recommended intakes for carbohydrate, dietary fibre and vitamin E and are less likely to meet recommendations for protein, vitamin B12 and iodine compared to omnivores. Regardless of consumer type, neither PB consumers nor omnivores met recommendations for intakes of vitamin D, calcium and sodium. While intakes of protein, n-3, iron and zinc were generally sufficient from the PB diet, it is important to acknowledge the lower bioavailability of these nutrients from PB foods compared to animal-derived products. As dietary patterns shift towards a more PB diet, there is a need for further studies to investigate the role of PB diets for nutritional adequacy and status in populations currently accustomed to consuming a primarily omnivorous diet.

The concept of plant-based diets has become popular due to the purported benefits for both human health and environmental impact. Although ‘plant-based’ is sometimes used to indicate omnivorous diets with a relatively small component of animal foods, here we take it to mean either vegetarian (plant-based plus dairy products and/or eggs) or vegan (100% plant-based). Important characteristics of plant-based diets which would be expected to be beneficial for long-term health are low intakes of saturated fat and high intakes of dietary fibre, whereas potentially deleterious characteristics are the risk of low intakes of some micronutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium and iodine, particularly in vegans. Vegetarians and vegans typically have lower BMI, serum LDL cholesterol and blood pressure than comparable regular meat-eaters, as well as lower bone mineral density. Vegetarians in the EPIC-Oxford study have a relatively low risk of IHD, diabetes, diverticular disease, kidney stones, cataracts and possibly some cancers, but a relatively high risk of stroke (principally haemorrhagic stroke) and bone fractures, in comparison with meat-eaters. Vegans in EPIC-Oxford have a lower risk of diabetes, diverticular disease and cataracts and a higher risk of fractures, but there are insufficient data for other conditions to draw conclusions. Overall, the health of people following plant-based diets appears to be generally good, with advantages but also some risks, and the extent to which the risks may be mitigated by optimal food choices, fortification and supplementation is not yet known.