Friday, 11 December 2020
Food scientists have launched a study to look into people’s attitudes towards protein alternatives including more unusual protein sources like edible insects and volunteers are needed to take part.
The research is being led by the Division of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Nottingham and the findings from the online study will be used to help the food industry develop sustainable new products. The research group are particulary keen to encourage male participants to take part.
Part of the objective of our study is to understand how UK consumers perceive sustainable diets and how accepting they would be to alternative protein sources including; plant-based proteins, edible insects and cultured meat. Since the initial launch of the study the majority of responses have been from women so we are really keen to get more men involved to ensure we have a good balance of response. The more people that take part, the better the results!
Participants are asked to fill in an online questionnaire that covers a range of topics including; environmental awareness, consumption habits, food choice motives and attitudes and acceptance of protein alternatives
The study will also explore how people from different dietary groups like vegans and vegetarians perceive sustainable diets and whether there are differences amongst those groups.
Hannah continues: “The need to start consuming more sustainable food and beverage products is imperative if we want a more sustainable food secure future. It is regularly reported that there are impending threats of climate change and population growth to our society, which is creating a need to shift current consumer behaviour towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Adopting a more sustainable diet is seen as one solution in tackling these global challenges.
This study will provide useful insights into how the UK views sustainable diets and the willingness to make a dietary transition and accept protein alternatives. Data could be used to inform future research, the food industry and policy level decisions.”
To find out more or to take part in the study click here
Story credits
More information is available from Hannah Ford on Hannah.ford@nottingham.ac.uk or Jane Icke, Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Science at the University of Nottingham, on +44 (0)115 951 5751, jane.icke@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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