Consumer Acceptance of Alternative Proteins: A Re-Review

Alternative proteins have been posed as a viable alternative to conventional animal products, as consumers become more aware of the environmental and health implications of animal farming. In this paper, we review literature on consumer acceptance of alternative proteins which has been omitted from two previous reviews. We review and analyze 18 papers which met our inclusion criteria. We present findings on overall acceptance, demographic factors, barriers and motivators, and factors increasing acceptance. A major finding from all the studies was that the interventions with information related to the different alternative products induced positive reactions among the participants and increased willingness to try the unfamiliar products. Women, older people, uneducated, and rural participants were more hesitant to try cultivated meat. Information related to environmental benefits influenced the participants to make proactive decisions toward trying alternative protein products in some studies. Participants who had prior experience or familiarity with the concept of alternative protein products and their technology held positive attitudes towards the same. We discuss implications for alternative protein companies, as well as policymakers and researchers.