A mixed-methods exploration of regular consumers’ experiences of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) in Singapore and the United Kingdom

2025/04/24 by Siti Amelia Juraimi, Aimee E. Pink, Florence Sheen +3 · 1 voice · 1 citation
Environmental Science · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact #Meat and Animal Product Quality #Culinary Culture and Tourism

paper · doi:10.1016/j.fufo.2025.100641

openalex publication_date 2025/04/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22

Abstract

• Overall PBMA intake among regular consumers in Singapore and the UK are similar. • Motives and barriers are significantly different between Singapore and the UK. • Product-related motives and accessibility barriers predict PBMA consumption. • Consumers are satisfied with PBMA but desire better accessibility and product quality. • Country-specific approaches are needed to promote continued consumption of PBMA. Research on plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) often focuses on its initial acceptance among new consumers with limited investigation into consumers who regularly incorporate PBMA in their diets. This study used a mixed methods approach to investigate PBMA consumption patterns, including motivations and barriers to sustained consumption, among 404 regular consumers (defined as PBMA consumption of at least once a week) in Singapore and the UK (SG: n =228; UK: n =176; 57.9 % women; 69.8 % aged 21–40 years old). Quantitative results showed similar PBMA consumption between Singapore and the UK ( p =.498) but motives and barriers to sustained consumption and their consumer characteristics (i.e., food choice motives, food neophobia) were significantly different ( p <.001). UK consumers showed greater agreement with motivational statements and were more sustainability-driven while Singapore consumers showed greater agreement with barrier statements and valued the impact of food on their body more. Product-related motives ( β =0.22, p <.001) and accessibility barriers ( β =0.15, p =.024) predicted overall PBMA consumption in both countries. Qualitative results suggest that whilst UK and Singapore consumers were satisfied with PBMA, they wanted higher nutritional quality, greater accessibility to affordable options and a wider variety. Further improvements in these areas could encourage repeated purchases and support the long-term adoption of PBMA.

Citations

• A systematic review on consumer acceptance of alternative proteins: Pulses, algae, insects, plant-based meat alternatives, and cultured meat
• Mapping the evidence of novel plant-based foods: a systematic review of nutritional, health, and environmental impacts in high-income countries
• Familiarity and satisfaction with plant-based meat alternatives around the world

Cited by

• Comparative analysis of the nutritional quality of plant-based and traditional meat products across European markets

Discussions

• 📜New publication! Our mixed methods paper exploring views of regular consumers of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) is published! Huge congrats to our dream team on delivering a fascinating stud [bsky, 2 points, 0 comments]

Related

• Familiarity and satisfaction with plant-based meat alternatives around the world
• Dietary Intake of Plant-Based Meat Consumers—A Cross-Sectional Analysis Based on the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (Years 2014–2019) in the United Kingdom
• Are plant-based meat alternatives the stepping stone to healthier and more sustainable diets? A review of the literature
• Plant-based meat consumers have a better diet quality than non-consumers: An analysis of food and nutrient intakes from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey
• Consumer behavior toward plant-based foods: a theoretical review, synthesis and conceptual framework