“Grilling the myths”: Uncomfortable truths and promising paths in consumer research on plant-based alternatives

Abstract

The urgent need for a dietary transition away from animal-based foods toward sustainable protein sources is a major focus in sensory and consumer science. Despite growing market availability and increased public interest in alternative proteins, significant barriers remain to achieving meaningful dietary shifts.

Building on an invited keynote presented at the 2024 Eurosense conference, this paper critically examines the state of sensory and consumer research on plant-based alternatives. The paper first and foremost highlights the significant gap between consumer expectations and the actual sensory performance of plant-based products, which continues to be the main factor hindering their widespread acceptance. It also addresses key methodological shortcomings in the literature, including the lack of robust sensory methodologies, unrealistic assumptions about substitution potential, an overreliance on intentions rather than actual behavior, and clear sampling biases.

Taken together, these factors obscure the substantial challenges facing plant-based alternatives. The interim conclusion is that current evidence does not convincingly demonstrate that these products can substantially replace animal products in our diets. However, it is essential to set realistic expectations. While plant-based alternatives are unlikely to completely displace animal products in the near future, they remain an important part of the solution. The final section highlights promising research avenues, emphasizing the critical role of sensory and consumer scientists in addressing these barriers and driving meaningful progress toward a protein transition.