The Power of Sustainable Food Labels: Encouraging More Meatless Choices

Researchers have found that labeling food as "vegan" may deter people from choosing meat and dairy-free options. In an experiment involving over 7,300 participants, food labeled as "healthy and sustainable" was chosen more often (44%) compared to food labeled as "vegan" (20%). This bias against veganism reflects the cultural resistance seen broadly within the wider community. To overcome this, some researchers suggest focusing on flexitarianism, which involves reducing but not eliminating animal products, as a more attainable and sustainable goal. The study highlights the potential of using labels as a low-cost intervention to promote healthy and sustainable food choices.