1
|
Hong L, Fan L, Wu J, Yang J, Hou D, Yao Y, Zhou S. Pulse Proteins and Their Hydrolysates: A Comprehensive Review of Their Beneficial Effects on Metabolic Syndrome and the Gut Microbiome. Nutrients 2024; 16:1845. [PMID: 38931200 PMCID: PMC11206746 DOI: 10.3390/nu16121845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulses, as an important part of the human diet, can act as a source of high-quality plant proteins. Pulse proteins and their hydrolysates have shown promising results in alleviating metabolic syndrome and modulating the gut microbiome. Their bioactivities have become a focus of research, with many new findings added in recent studies. This paper comprehensively reviews the anti-hypertension, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-dyslipidemia and anti-obesity bioactivities of pulse proteins and their hydrolysates in recent in vitro and in vivo studies, which show great potential for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome. In addition, pulse proteins and their hydrolysates can regulate the gut microbiome, which in turn can have a positive impact on the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of some pulse proteins and their hydrolysates on metabolic syndrome have been supported by clinical studies. This review might provide a reference for the application of pulse proteins and their hydrolysates in functional foods or nutritional supplements for people with metabolic syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Hong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; (L.H.); (L.F.); (J.W.); (J.Y.); (D.H.)
- Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Manufacturing and Biosynthesis of Food Bioactive Substances, China General Chamber of Commerce, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Linlin Fan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; (L.H.); (L.F.); (J.W.); (J.Y.); (D.H.)
- Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Manufacturing and Biosynthesis of Food Bioactive Substances, China General Chamber of Commerce, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Junchao Wu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; (L.H.); (L.F.); (J.W.); (J.Y.); (D.H.)
- Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Manufacturing and Biosynthesis of Food Bioactive Substances, China General Chamber of Commerce, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; (L.H.); (L.F.); (J.W.); (J.Y.); (D.H.)
- Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Manufacturing and Biosynthesis of Food Bioactive Substances, China General Chamber of Commerce, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Dianzhi Hou
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; (L.H.); (L.F.); (J.W.); (J.Y.); (D.H.)
- Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Manufacturing and Biosynthesis of Food Bioactive Substances, China General Chamber of Commerce, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yang Yao
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Sumei Zhou
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; (L.H.); (L.F.); (J.W.); (J.Y.); (D.H.)
- Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Manufacturing and Biosynthesis of Food Bioactive Substances, China General Chamber of Commerce, Beijing 100048, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Laureati M, De Boni A, Saba A, Lamy E, Minervini F, Delgado AM, Sinesio F. Determinants of Consumers' Acceptance and Adoption of Novel Food in View of More Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems in the EU: A Systematic Literature Review. Foods 2024; 13:1534. [PMID: 38790835 PMCID: PMC11120339 DOI: 10.3390/foods13101534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This review article aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the main determinants of consumers' acceptance of novel foods (new foods and ingredients) in the EU with emphasis on product's intrinsic properties (sensory characteristics) and individual factors (socio-demographics, perceptive, psychological) by adopting a systematic approach following the PRISMA methodology. Case studies on terrestrial (i.e., insects, cultured meat and other animal origin products, plant-based food including mushrooms, plant-based analogues, pulses, and cereals) and aquatic systems (i.e., algae and jellyfish) are included focusing on age-related and cross-national differences in consumer acceptance of novel foods and ingredients. General trends have emerged that are common to all the novel foods analysed, regardless of their aquatic or terrestrial origin. Aspects such as food neophobia, unfamiliarity, and poor knowledge of the product are important barriers to the consumption of novel foods, while healthiness and environmental sustainability perception are drivers of acceptance. Sensory properties are challenging for more familiar ingredients such as plant-based food (e.g., novel food made by pulses, mushrooms, cereals and pseudocereals). Results are discussed in terms of feasibility of introducing these products in the EU food systems highlighting strategies that can encourage the use of new ingredients or novel foods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Laureati
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa De Boni
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences (DISSPA), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.D.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Anna Saba
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Food and Nutrition (CREA-AN), Via Ardeatina, 546, 00178 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Elsa Lamy
- Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, University of Evora, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal; (E.L.); (A.M.D.)
| | - Fabio Minervini
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences (DISSPA), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.D.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Amélia M. Delgado
- Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, University of Evora, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal; (E.L.); (A.M.D.)
| | - Fiorella Sinesio
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Food and Nutrition (CREA-AN), Via Ardeatina, 546, 00178 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (F.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ofir O, Stark AH, Bar-Zeev Y. Promotion of legume intake-Israeli dietitians' knowledge, beliefs and practices. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024:fdae055. [PMID: 38686928 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdae055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The health and environmental benefits of legume consumption are reflected in dietary guidelines worldwide. However, legume intake fails to meet recommendations. Dietitians' legume counseling practices can impact consumption patterns. This cross-sectional study assessed Israeli dietitians' knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices regarding legume counseling and identified pertinent barriers and facilitators. METHODS An electronic survey among Israeli dietitians (n = 309) was performed. Multivariable logistic regression assessed associations between recommending legumes with participants' socio-demographic and professional characteristics, knowledge, perceptions, attitudes toward legume counseling and personal legume intake. RESULTS Almost half (47.4%) of the participants recommended that 76% or more of their patients increase legume intake. Factors that were associated with recommending legumes were perceptions of fewer barriers to consumption [adjusted OR (aOR) 1.92 (95% CI 1.24-2.96)] and positive attitudes toward legume counseling pertaining to its importance [aOR 1.95 (95% CI 1.12-3.4)]. Negatively associated factors were a low level of personal legume consumption [aOR 0.38 (95% CI 0.15-0.94)] and working in hospitals [aOR 0.43 (95% CI 0.19-0.98)]. CONCLUSIONS Israeli dietitians' recommendations for legume consumption were well below current guidelines. These findings indicate the need for a tailored intervention for nutrition professionals to increase the frequency of legume counseling and overall consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orit Ofir
- The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, School of Nutritional Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Aliza Hannah Stark
- The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, School of Nutritional Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Yael Bar-Zeev
- Faculty of Medicine, Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang D, Jiang K, Luo H, Zhao X, Yu P, Gan Y. Replacing animal proteins with plant proteins: Is this a way to improve quality and functional properties of hybrid cheeses and cheese analogs? Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2024; 23:e13262. [PMID: 38284577 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
The growing emphasis on dietary health has facilitated the development of plant-based foods. Plant proteins have excellent functional attributes and health-enhancing effects and are also environmentally conscientious and animal-friendly protein sources on a global scale. The addition of plant proteins (including soy protein, pea protein, zein, nut protein, and gluten protein) to diverse cheese varieties and cheese analogs holds the promise of manufacturing symbiotic products that not only have reduced fat content but also exhibit improved protein diversity and overall quality. In this review, we summarized the utilization and importance of various plant proteins in the production of hybrid cheeses and cheese analogs. Meanwhile, classification and processing methods related to these cheese products were reviewed. Furthermore, the impact of different plant proteins on the microstructure, textural properties, physicochemical attributes, rheological behavior, functional aspects, microbiological aspects, and sensory characteristics of both hybrid cheeses and cheese analogs were discussed and compared. Our study explores the potential for the development of cheeses made from full/semi-plant protein ingredients with greater sustainability and health benefits. Additionally, it further emphasizes the substantial chances for scholars and developers to investigate the optimal processing methods and applications of plant proteins in cheeses, thereby improving the market penetration of plant protein hybrid cheeses and cheese analogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deju Zhang
- Food and Nutritional Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Kai Jiang
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, No, rtheastern University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Hui Luo
- Laboratory of Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaorui Zhao
- Differentiated & Biofunctional Food, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peng Yu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yiming Gan
- Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jaeger SR, Vidal L, Chheang SL, Ares G. Dimensions of food-related wellbeing and their relative importance among New Zealand consumers: A quasi-replication and extension approach. Appetite 2023:106613. [PMID: 37290719 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.106613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Research into perceived wellbeing (WB) can improve understanding of consumer food choices and support development of strategies to promote healthier and more sustainable eating habits. In this research, using online studies, food-related WB was explored among New Zealand consumers. In a "quasi-replication" of Jaeger, Prescott, and Worch (2022), Study 1 uncovered word associations to different WB-related terms ('Sense of wellbeing,' 'Lack of wellbeing,' 'Feeling good,' 'Feeling bad/unhappy,' 'Satisfied with life,' and 'Dissatisfied with life') with 912 participants in a between-subjects design. The results confirmed the multidimensional nature of WB, and the need to consider positive and negative aspects of food-related WB, as well as differences linked to physical, emotional, and spiritual WB. Drawing on Study 1, 13 characteristics of food-related WB were identified, and in Study 2 their importance for feeling a 'Sense of wellbeing' and 'Satisfied with life' was determined with 1206 participants using a between-subjects design. In a further extension, Study 2 also adopted a product-specific perspective and explored the associations of, and importance, for 16 different foods and beverages to food-related WB. Based on Best-Worst Scaling and penalty/lift analysis, the four most important characteristics overall were 'Is good quality,' 'Is healthy,' 'Is fresh,' and 'Is tasty,' with the nuance that healthiness contributed most to feeling a 'Sense of wellbeing' while good quality contributed most to feeling 'Satisfied with life.' The associations to individual foods and beverages underscored that food-related WB is a complex construct arising from an overall evaluation of the different effects of foods (including physical health, social and spiritual aspects of food consumption) and their short-term effects on food-related behaviour. Contextual and individual differences in perceptions of WB in relation to food deserve further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Jaeger
- Vescor Research, 2900, Hellerup, Copenhagen, Denmark; The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, 120 Mt Albert Road, Private Bag 92169, Victoria Street West, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Leticia Vidal
- Sensometrics & Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n. CP 91000. Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Sok L Chheang
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, 120 Mt Albert Road, Private Bag 92169, Victoria Street West, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gastón Ares
- Sensometrics & Consumer Science, Instituto Polo Tecnológico de Pando, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, By Pass de Rutas 8 y 101 s/n. CP 91000. Pando, Canelones, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Emotions and Food Consumption: Emotional Eating Behavior in a European Population. Foods 2023; 12:foods12040872. [PMID: 36832947 PMCID: PMC9957014 DOI: 10.3390/foods12040872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Emotion can reflect in the perception of food consumption. An increase in food intake during emotional and psychological conditions may have a negative impact on human health. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the associations between food consumption, emotional eating behavior, and emotional conditions such as stress, depression, loneliness, boredom eating, maintaining vigilance and alertness, and emotional food consolation. We used a Motivations for Food Choices Questionnaire (Eating Motivations, EATMOT) to determine the emotional aspects of food consumption in 9052 respondents living in 12 European countries between October 2017 and March 2018. Ordinal linear regression was used to identify the associations between the emotional eating behavior and emotional conditions such as stress, depression, loneliness, emotional consolation, and reasons to improve physical and psychological conditions. The regression models confirmed the associations between food consumption, emotional conditions, and emotional eating behavior. Associations were found between the emotional eating behavior and stress (odds ratio (OR) = 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07-1.60, p = 0.010), depressive mood (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.40-1.43, p < 0.001), loneliness (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.58-1.62, p < 0.001), boredom (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.36-1.39, p < 0.001), and emotional consolation (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.54-1.57, p < 0.001). Emotional eating was associated with an effort to improve physical and psychological conditions, such as controlling body weight (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.10-1.12, p < 0.001), keeping awake and alert (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.19-1.20, p < 0.001) and consumption to feel good (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.21-1.22, p < 0.001). In conclusion, emotions might provoke emotional eating behavior. The appropriate way to handle stress, depression, or other emotional states is important in conditions of being emotionally overwhelmed. The public should be educated on how to handle different emotional states. The focus should be moved somehow from emotional eating and the consumption of unhealthy food to healthy lifestyle practices, including regular exercise and healthy eating habits. Thus, it is necessary to halt these negative health effects on human health through public health programs.
Collapse
|
7
|
Reyneke G, Hughes J, Grafenauer S. Consumer Understanding of the Australian Dietary Guidelines: Recommendations for Legumes and Whole Grains. Nutrients 2022; 14:1753. [PMID: 35565721 PMCID: PMC9099598 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary guidelines provide evidence-based guidance for healthy individuals to improve dietary patterns, although they are most often based on individual foods or food groups. Legumes are a class of food included in current Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG), mentioned in two of the five food groups, as a vegetable and as an alternative to meat. Whole grain consumption is encouraged in ADG via the statement focused on cereal grains due to their health-promoting properties. Despite their prominence in guidelines, average legume and whole grain consumption in Australia remains lower than recommendations outlined in the ADG. This exploratory study aimed to understand consumer perspectives of wording utilised in dietary guidelines specifically focused on legumes and whole grains. Based on the analysis, there was a significant preference for the statement “each day, consume at least one serve of legumes either as a serve of vegetables or as an alternative to meat” (p < 0.05), which provides a specific frequency and quantification for legume consumption. For whole grain, the significantly preferred statement was “choose whole grain products over refined grains/white flour products whenever you can” indicating a less prescriptive option. Effective messaging in guidelines could consider greater specificity regarding frequency, quantity and quality of foods recommended. This exploratory study suggests an improvement in the adoption and consumption of legumes and whole grains in the Australian diet may be better facilitated through consumer-tested messaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gynette Reyneke
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
| | - Jaimee Hughes
- Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council, 1 Rivett Road, North Ryde, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Sara Grafenauer
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Banaszak M, Górna I, Przysławski J. Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Insulin Resistance: Effective Intervention of Plant-Based Diets—A Critical Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14071400. [PMID: 35406013 PMCID: PMC9002735 DOI: 10.3390/nu14071400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular. Vegetarian diets are better for the environment and exhibit health benefits. A correctly balanced plant-based diet is appropriate at every stage of life. Compared to omnivores, vegetarians consume more fruits and vegetables, more fibre, vitamins C and E, magnesium and less saturated fats. In general, they have better nutrition knowledge, and they are slimmer, healthier and live longer than omnivores. It also seems that following a plant-based diet prevents the onset of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some cancers. Food intake has a key influence on insulin resistance. Consumption of calorie-rich and highly processed foods, meats and sweetened beverages is a characteristic element of Western diets. They promote and elevate insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In contrast, intake of pulses and exclusion of meats as well as animal products bring significant benefits to vegetarian diets. According to studies, vegetarians and vegans have better blood parameters, including better glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels. Their homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) test results are also better. More plant-based foods and fewer animal foods in a diet result in lower insulin resistance and a lower risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of plant-based diets on insulin resistance. In this review, we focused on presenting the positive effects of vegetarian and vegan diets on insulin resistance while showing possible clinical applications of plant-based diets in the treatment and prevention of modern-age diseases. Current and reliable publications meeting the requirements of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) were taken into account in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michalina Banaszak
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Ilona Górna
- Department of Bromatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-61-641-83-90
| | - Juliusz Przysławski
- Department of Bromatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Carfora V, Cicia G, Conner M. Editorial: Mind the Sustainable Food: New Insights in Food Psychology. Front Psychol 2021; 12:725579. [PMID: 34616341 PMCID: PMC8488082 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.725579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Carfora
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianni Cicia
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Mark Conner
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
The proposed study aims to segment consumers based on a sustainable approach to the consumption of food. The shift in consumers’ attitudes towards more balanced food consumption can be one of the sustainability drivers for entire food chains and may result in more sustained energy usage in the whole food chain and implementation of farm to fork strategy to the practice. We considered consumers’ attitudes as a multidimensional construct. Under this assumption, we asked respondents a series of questions related to the cognitive, behavioral, and affective components of an attitude. Data were collected from a market survey run among 433 consumers. We identified three consumer segments. The “Doers” segment exhibits sustainable behavior to a greater extent than the others. At the same time, they have less knowledge about the concept of food sustainability while the affective dimension was developed on an average level. The “Conscious” segment had well-developed cognitive and affective dimensions (which might indicate their openness to the information about sustainability positive feelings), however, it was not reflected in their behavior. Finally, the “Reluctant” segment, did not show a sustainable attitude towards food consumption in any of the analyzed dimensions. Answering the question of how common sustainable attitudes are may help in determining the market potential and in developing product and promotion strategies.
Collapse
|