Studies & Numbers

Environmental Impact Rating on packet of meat

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Survey Reveals 46% of US Adults Would Consider Plant-Based Diets to Cut Food Emissions

A recent survey conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Morning Consult reveals that 46% of Americans would consider adopting a plant-based diet to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to food production. The poll, which included responses from 2,203 US adults between March 24-26, 2025, found that 16% of respondents would “strongly consider” such a dietary change, while an additional 30% said they would “somewhat consider” it. Environmental impact of food production The survey results come as Earth Day approaches and coincide with growing concerns about the environmental impact of the food industry. Research from the United Nations has pointed to the significant role of food production, particularly livestock farming, in contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Beef, in particular, is noted as …

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Plant-based milk shelf at Albert Heijn

Image: ProVeg Netherlands

Report: Dutch Supermarkets Are Expanding Their Plant-Based Ranges, But Adoption Remains Slow

Data from the Protein Monitor 2024, an annual study conducted by Wageningen Social & Economic Research on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, has assessed the progress of the protein transition at Dutch supermarkets. The research indicates that availability is increasing rapidly; in 2024, 38% of online supermarket ranges consisted of plant-based protein products, compared to just 32% in 2023. However, the amount of plant-based protein consumed by the Dutch population has increased by just 1%. Currently, 60% of consumers’ protein intake comes from animal sources, while 40% comes from plants. The Netherlands has set a policy goal of achieving 50% plant-based and 50% animal protein intake by 2030 to improve public health and sustainability. “Although the protein transition …

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Lactic acid bacteria could improve dairy alternatives

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Study: Lactic Acid Bacteria Could Enhance Flavor & Nutrition of Dairy Alternatives

A new review led by researchers from Novonesis and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has found that lactic acid bacteria could help improve the flavor and nutritional profile of plant-based dairy alternatives. By analyzing existing literature, the authors explore how fermentation with selected bacterial strains could reduce off-flavours and degrade anti-nutrients, enhancing nutrient bioavailability. While the study focuses on plant-based dairy, the researchers believe the findings may also be applicable to other foods such as mycoprotein, fermented yeast, and ingredients derived from food production side streams. These products are said to face similar nutritional and sensory challenges to dairy alternatives. The research indicates that existing microbial solutions could be the key to developing a wide range of sustainable foods. However, the authors say the …

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Study: 74% of Brazilians Would Consider Cutting Down on or Eliminating Meat

A new survey commissioned by the Brazilian Vegetarian Society and carried out by the Datafolha Institute has found that the majority of Brazilians would be open to reducing their meat consumption, or even eliminating meat from their diets. When over 2,000 people were asked whether they would consider eating less meat, 74% of respondents said they were willing to do so to some degree in order to improve their health. 43% said the environment would be a factor in their decision to reduce their meat consumption, while 42% cited animal welfare. The results come as Brazil prepares to host this year’s UN climate summit, COP30. The event takes place in November in the city of Belém, located in the Amazon rainforest. The Amazon has seen significant …

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walmart

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Vegan Grocery Prices Vary Significantly Across US States, Walmart Study Shows

A recent study by CashNetUSA has examined the cost of a typical basket of vegan groceries at Walmart stores across the United States, revealing considerable differences in pricing between states. The study analyzed Walmart prices in the most populous cities of each state, comparing them to the national average. Affordability across states Among the findings, Arkansas emerged as the most affordable state for vegan groceries, with prices approximately 3.8% below the national average. Conversely, Hawaii registered the highest prices, with costs for vegan products 31.8% higher than the national average. The study also identified significant price fluctuations from year to year. Arizona saw the largest decrease in prices for vegan groceries, with a drop of 3.4% since 2023. In contrast, Alaska experienced one of the …

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Study: Healthy Plant-Based Diets May Reduce Risk of Blood Clots in the Legs or Lungs

A study published in the journal JACC: Advances has found that consuming a healthy plant-based diet could reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots in the legs or lungs, known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). 183,510 participants free of VTE were recruited and assessed to see how closely they adhered to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Their genetic risk of VTE was also tested. Participants were then followed for 13 years and periodically answered questions about their diets. Those who most closely followed a healthy plant-based eating pattern were found to have a 14% lower risk of VTE. Participants with a high genetic risk of VTE were 47% more likely to develop the condition than others in the study; …

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woman eating plant-based food

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Shift to Plant-Based Foods Could Add Thousands of Jobs to US Economy

A new study reveals potential economic benefits that could arise from a shift towards plant-based food consumption in the United States. The research, commissioned by Faunalytics and conducted by BW Research Partnership, explores how this shift could impact key economic indicators such as job creation, GDP growth, tax revenue, and labor income by 2040. The study evaluates three hypothetical scenarios: a plateau in plant-based food market share, a moderate growth scenario, and a substantial growth scenario. The results suggest that even a modest shift towards plant-based products could yield positive economic effects, particularly in job creation. Under the moderate growth scenario, thousands of new jobs could be generated. A more substantial shift, in which plant-based foods become significantly more common, could result in tens of …

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Animal Outlook volunteers

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Animal Outlook Finds Behavior Change Strategies and Volunteer Efforts Fuel Growth of Vegan Diets

Animal Outlook, an animal protection nonprofit, has released its 2024 Behavior Change and Volunteer Impact Report, which looks at the role of volunteer engagement in advancing animal protection and promoting vegan eating habits. In 2024, volunteers and interns dedicated nearly 6,000 hours to the organization’s initiatives, contributing to key milestones. Among these, 73,938 individuals completed the VegPledge, a campaign encouraging participants to try vegan eating for a specified period. Of those who took part, 76.9% reported their intent to continue consuming vegan food after the pledge period, with 63.1% planning to make the change permanent. Additionally, 83.1% of VegPledge participants expressed that they now consider the impact of their food choices more thoughtfully. The report also highlights the growing influence of the Animal Outlook Network, …

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Ontario Genomics

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Canadian Food Biomanufacturing Projected to Create 125,000 Jobs by 2050

Ontario Genomics has released an updated Food Innovation in Canada Report, providing economic projections for the country’s food biomanufacturing sector. The report estimates that by 2050, the industry could be valued at $18.8 billion and generate approximately 125,000 jobs. Food biomanufacturing, which includes cellular agriculture and precision fermentation, involves producing food, ingredients, and textiles using biotechnology rather than traditional agricultural methods. The updated analysis, conducted by Dr. Michael von Massow from the University of Guelph, assesses the industry’s potential and the factors required for growth. Ontario is projected to play a central role in this sector, with a potential $13 billion industry that could create over 91,000 jobs. The report identifies the need for a national strategy, investment in large-scale production facilities, research and development …

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GEA unveils a new technology called perfusion, which includes the use of pilot scale bioreactors and a machine for rejuvenating the grown media.

Image courtesy of GEA

Report: Advanced Biotech Could Reduce Global Emissions by 5% and Create $1 Trillion in Annual Economic Value

A new report by the Advanced Biotech for Sustainability (AB4S) coalition has found that advanced biotechnology has the potential to reduce global emissions by 5% and generate $1 trillion in annual economic value. Called Harnessing the economic and environmental benefits of advanced biotechnology, the report is co-authored by AB4S founding members Arsenale Bioyards, Basecamp Research, Cradle, Darwin International, EIT Food, Evonik, Good Food Institute, Invert Bio, Lallemand, L’Oréal, and ShakeUp Factory. It claims that up to 60% of inputs to the global economy, including biological materials and non-biological inputs, could be produced or replaced using biological methods. The authors note that recent biotech breakthroughs have enabled the introduction of sustainable bio-based solutions in many industries. However, they find that advanced biotech has not yet lived …

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A young woman drinks green smoothies and eats a burger in a vegan fast food restaurant

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Study: Replacing Animal Products With Plant-Based Foods, No Matter How Processed, Leads to Weight Loss

A new study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism has concluded that eating plant-based foods instead of animal products can lead to significant weight loss, regardless of how processed the foods are. The research is a secondary analysis of a study that randomly assigned participants who were overweight to an intervention or control group for 16 weeks. Those in the intervention group followed a low-fat, plant-based diet with no calorie limit. They experienced improved metabolism, cardiometabolic risk factors, and weight loss, compared to the control group who made no changes. “Our new study is an important reminder that plant-based foods that are considered processed, like canned beans, cereal, and veggie burgers, are actually part of …

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NECTAR

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NECTAR Releases 2025 Plant-Based Meat Taste Report, Announces TASTY Award Winners

NECTAR, a nonprofit focused on accelerating the protein transition through sensory research, has released Taste of the Industry 2025, the most extensive public dataset assessing the taste of plant-based meat products. The study, which evaluated 122 products across 14 categories, provides insights into consumer preferences and areas where plant-based meats can improve to better compete with animal-based products. The study found that while most plant-based meat products still lag behind their animal-based counterparts in consumer preference, a subset of 20 products was rated the same or better by at least 50% of participants. Texture was identified as the most significant opportunity for improvement, particularly in categories such as bacon, bratwurst, and whole-cut steak. Taste and consumer willingness to pay The report found that only 30% …

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Flour hemp in a wooden spoon, hemp seed in a bag and on the table, hemp oil in a glass jar, hemp leaves on the background of wooden boards

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Study: Consuming Plant-Based Oils Instead of Butter Could Significantly Reduce Mortality

A new study that analyzed data from over 200,000 people followed for more than 30 years has concluded that consuming plant-based oils instead of butter may have significant beneficial health effects. Investigators from Mass General Brigham, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard found that higher intake of plant-based oils (especially soybean, canola, and olive oil) was associated with lower total, cancer, and cardiovascular disease mortality. Meanwhile, butter intake was linked to increased risk of total and cancer mortality. The types of fatty acids found in butter and oil may account for the difference; butter is rich in saturated fats, while plant-based oils contain more unsaturated fatty acids. In future, the researchers would like to study the …

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plant-based protein in bowl

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Most Americans Still Believe Animal Protein is Essential Despite Scientific Evidence

A recent survey conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) in collaboration with Morning Consult found that 87% of US adults believe consuming animal products is important for obtaining sufficient protein. The poll, conducted on January 22-23, 2025, included responses from 2,203 adults. Despite this widespread belief, 57% of respondents said they think it is possible to build muscle on a plant-based diet, while 22% disagreed, and 21% were unsure. The results indicate mixed perceptions about the adequacy of plant-based protein sources. Variations in beliefs across demographics Women and Gen Z adults were the least likely to agree with the idea that animal products are necessary for adequate protein intake. Republicans (91%) and adults with a bachelor’s degree (90%) were among the most …

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Campaign urges Brits to give up dairy for International Women's Day

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Campaign Urges British Consumers to Give Up Dairy for International Women’s Day

UK charity Animal Justice Project is calling on the British public to avoid dairy products on International Women’s Day, which takes place on March 8. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the treatment of cows in the dairy industry. As part of the campaign, Animal Justice Project has commissioned research to gauge consumer awareness of common dairy industry practices. The results indicate low awareness among the majority of respondents — for example, 52% did not know that dairy cows are impregnated annually to enable milk production, while 83% were unaware that calves are often separated from cows within 24 hours of birth. Furthermore, 82% did not know that dairy cows are typically slaughtered between the ages of 5 and 7, despite having a natural …

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plant-based meat

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Journal of Food Science Compiles Latest Research on Ultra-Processed Foods, Including Meat & Dairy Alternatives

IFT’s peer-reviewed Journal of Food Science (JFS) has released a special issue compiling the latest research and critical reviews of the role of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in the global food system. Many of the studies in the collection focus on meat and dairy alternatives, including: Nova fails to appreciate the value of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives in the diet This study points out the flaws in NOVA, a system for classifying foods according to how processed they are. It argues that while most meat and dairy alternatives are considered to be ultra-processed, this does not mean they are damaging to health. In fact, the authors claim plant-based meat and dairy products have beneficial effects relative to their animal-based counterparts, meaning they represent a viable …

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Gen Z

Image: Anna Shvets on Pexels

Study: Gen Z Believes More Action is Needed to Protect Animals and the Environment

A new study by Faunalytics and Good Growth Co has examined the attitudes of Generation Z (commonly defined as individuals born between 1997 and 2012) to environmental and animal protection. The study collected data from educated youth in the United States, Indonesia, Thailand, and China via surveys and interviews. The results indicate that the majority have a preference for ethical products. Just 31% and 34% of respondents said society was doing enough to protect animals and the environment respectively. However, the focus was mainly on companion and wild animals, with farm animals rarely mentioned. When asked why they believed animals and the environment should be protected, study participants mentioned a range of factors, including protecting the planet for future generations and helping animals for their …

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Carbon labels

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Study: Consumers Are Significantly Less Likely to Choose Animal-Based Meals When Well-Designed Carbon Labels Are Present

A new study has investigated the impact of an improved carbon label design on food choices. It finds that consumers are significantly less likely to opt for animal-based meals when made aware of their environmental impact. Previous research has indicated that the impact of carbon labels is small; however, the labels used in these studies were sometimes quantitative only, presenting a number with little context as to whether it was high or low. The labels also failed to clarify the difference in emissions between plant-based and animal-based products. The new study addresses these limitations by introducing new “item mapping” labels, designed to link emissions to food items. The labels feature a carbon score ranging from A (low emissions) to E (high emissions), along with icons …

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aloe vera

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New Study Explores Aloe Vera as a Cost-Effective Scaffold for Cultivated Meat

A new study published in npj Science of Food presents an innovative approach to cultivated meat production, using Aloe vera as a natural scaffold to grow bovine fat tissue. This breakthrough could help make cultured fat production more scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable—especially for hybrid plant-based and cultivated meat products. While Aloe vera is best known for its use in skincare and food, researchers are now exploring its potential in cellular agriculture. The study highlights Aloe vera parenchymal cellulose (AVPC)—a byproduct of the cosmetics and beverage industries—as a promising, food-safe material for growing bovine mesenchymal stem cells (bMSCs). Thanks to its porous and water-absorbing structure, Aloe vera cellulose supports cell growth by retaining moisture, promoting cell attachment, and aiding in tissue development. Unlike synthetic or animal-derived …

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Planted fermented steak

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European Alternative Protein Patents Increase by 960% in a Decade

A new analysis by GFI Europe has found that patent publications by European alternative protein innovators have seen a huge 960% surge over the past decade. Over 5,000 alternative protein patents have now been published by European organisations, with the publication rate growing by an average of 32% per year. 1,191 patents were published in 2024, compared to just 124 in 2015. Despite this, GFI says many technologies remain overlooked and more open-access research is needed. Plant-based foods dominate Plant-based foods dominate the research, accounting for almost 4,000 patents (74% of the total number). However, GFI says some areas are still neglected, such as breeding better protein crops to provide the raw ingredients for plant-based products. A much smaller number of patents has been published …

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