Transition to sustainable diets in European food systems: stakeholders’ perspective on determinants of alternative protein intake
1
SWPS University, Wroclaw, Poland
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Transitioning toward alternative protein foods (APFs)—including plant-based, insect, and microbial sources—could play a critical role in reducing negative environmental impacts of human nutrition. Consumer food choices, shaped by individual, social, and environmental factors, have the potential to influence actions of other food system stakeholders and accelerate system-wide transitions toward sustainability. This study employed system mapping to investigate determinants of APF inclusion in daily diets across 13 European countries, to identify key leverage points and examine feedback loops and cross-country similarities.
METHODS:
This study conducted 17 participatory system mapping workshops across 13 European countries (Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey), involving food system stakeholders (N = 166; e.g., producers, policymakers, nutritionists, and consumers). Applying group model building methodology, participants jointly developed 17 system maps capturing determinants of APF adoption. Centrality indices were calculated to identify key leverage points; feedback loops were analyzed to assess system dynamics and cross-country patterns.
RESULTS:
Common leverage points (identified across>6 maps) included: consumer education and knowledge of APFs, social norms, and the influence of advertising and social media. Additional leverage points common for 3-4 maps) were identified: health perceptions, curiosity or neophobia, national food culture, and attitudes toward ultra-processing, sustainability, and animal welfare. Stakeholders emphasized the central role of consumers’ beliefs and behaviors in shaping food system change. Feedback loop analysis identified recurring mechanisms, such as in Italy, where improved product safety strengthened advertising effects and consumer curiosity, creating reinforcing dynamics that supported local development, lower prices, and enhanced food safety.
CONCLUSIONS:
By identifying interconnected determinants underlying European food systems and APF adoption, this study highlights pathways for accelerating dietary transitions. The identification of leverage points and feedback loops offers valuable guidance for policymakers and other stakeholders seeking to promote more sustainable, protein-diverse diets.
Transitioning toward alternative protein foods (APFs)—including plant-based, insect, and microbial sources—could play a critical role in reducing negative environmental impacts of human nutrition. Consumer food choices, shaped by individual, social, and environmental factors, have the potential to influence actions of other food system stakeholders and accelerate system-wide transitions toward sustainability. This study employed system mapping to investigate determinants of APF inclusion in daily diets across 13 European countries, to identify key leverage points and examine feedback loops and cross-country similarities.
METHODS:
This study conducted 17 participatory system mapping workshops across 13 European countries (Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey), involving food system stakeholders (N = 166; e.g., producers, policymakers, nutritionists, and consumers). Applying group model building methodology, participants jointly developed 17 system maps capturing determinants of APF adoption. Centrality indices were calculated to identify key leverage points; feedback loops were analyzed to assess system dynamics and cross-country patterns.
RESULTS:
Common leverage points (identified across>6 maps) included: consumer education and knowledge of APFs, social norms, and the influence of advertising and social media. Additional leverage points common for 3-4 maps) were identified: health perceptions, curiosity or neophobia, national food culture, and attitudes toward ultra-processing, sustainability, and animal welfare. Stakeholders emphasized the central role of consumers’ beliefs and behaviors in shaping food system change. Feedback loop analysis identified recurring mechanisms, such as in Italy, where improved product safety strengthened advertising effects and consumer curiosity, creating reinforcing dynamics that supported local development, lower prices, and enhanced food safety.
CONCLUSIONS:
By identifying interconnected determinants underlying European food systems and APF adoption, this study highlights pathways for accelerating dietary transitions. The identification of leverage points and feedback loops offers valuable guidance for policymakers and other stakeholders seeking to promote more sustainable, protein-diverse diets.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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