All articles tagged with #plant based food
Despite the popularity of plant-based foods and the growth of meat substitutes, recent sales in UK supermarkets have declined for three consecutive years, possibly due to consumer preferences shifting towards less processed, more authentic foods, and taste and texture issues with current meat alternatives. The future of vegan food may depend on developing better, more palatable products and understanding evolving consumer demands.
A study comparing food labels found that using terms like "vegan" and "plant-based" is less effective in persuading meat eaters to choose plant-based options. Labels emphasizing health and sustainability benefits were more successful in encouraging consumers to select products without meat and dairy. The study suggests that highlighting the benefits of a product, rather than focusing on its content, can be more attractive to consumers. However, additional research has shown that emphasizing taste and other qualities of food, such as provenance and flavor, can also be effective in promoting sustainable choices.
Bill Gates highlighted the significant role of agriculture, particularly the use of fertilizers and cows, in contributing to harmful gas pollution and climate change. Agriculture, forestry, and other land use accounted for 22% of global planet-warming pollution in 2010. Cows alone can emit around 220 pounds of methane per year, and their manure also produces methane. With the global demand for meat and dairy, the need for cows is essential, but moving away from meat consumption would have significant environmental benefits. Gates, who has invested in plant-based food companies, aims to find climate-friendly alternatives to meat. He has also invested in farmland to increase productivity and create jobs. Gates recommends transitioning to electric cars and researching synthetic meat as part of efforts to combat climate change.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) will feature mostly plant-based food options for the first time in its history. The decision to prioritize plant-based meals during the conference acknowledges the environmental impact of animal agriculture and allows delegates to discuss climate strategies without consuming environmentally damaging foods. The move follows advocacy efforts by youth activists and civil society organizations, supported by ProVeg International. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) COP28 Presidency-Designate, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, committed to prioritizing plant-based food and ensuring affordability, nutrition, and local sourcing. The menu shift aligns with research highlighting the environmental benefits of a plant-based diet and the urgency to transform the global food system to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis. The decision also aligns with the UAE's commitment to sustainability and its recognition of the Paris Agreement's goals.
A small Salmonella outbreak in late 2020 to early 2021 was traced back to cashew brie, a vegan brie alternative. The outbreak involved an unusual plant-based food that carried unusual bacteria, but health officials were able to identify the source and spur a product recall before standard outbreak measures were triggered. The ultimate source of the Salmonella was traced back to the product's star ingredient: cashews. The cashew brie maker, Jule's Foods, issued a voluntary recall.