Health or environment? Understanding which informative message is more effective in replacing red meat with mushroom-based alternatives

Rachele De Cianni; Teresina Mancuso; Giuseppina Rizzo; Giuseppina Migliore

doi:10.1016/j.appet.2024.107405

Health or environment? Understanding which informative message is more effective in replacing red meat with mushroom-based alternatives

Appetite. 2024 May 7:199:107405. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107405. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Rachele De Cianni¹, Teresina Mancuso², Giuseppina Rizzo³, Giuseppina Migliore⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095, Italy. Electronic address: rachele.decianni@unito.it.
² Department of Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095, Italy. Electronic address: teresina.mancuso@unito.it.
³ Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 4, 90128, Palermo, Italy. Electronic address: giuseppina.rizzo03@unipa.it.
⁴ Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 4, 90128, Palermo, Italy. Electronic address: giuseppina.migliore@unipa.it.

PMID: 38723668
DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107405

Abstract

Current concerns regarding the health and environmental consequences associated with excessive meat consumption have underscored the importance of guiding consumers towards more sustainable diets. Given this perspective, this study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of tailored informative messages in shaping consumer behaviour, particularly within the framework of replacing meat with mushroom-based alternatives. Additionally, it explores the factors influencing informative message effectiveness. An experimental online survey was conducted on a sample of 951 Italian consumers. Specifically, the sample was divided into three groups, of which 309 individuals formed the control group, 311 participants received informative messages on the health risks associated with red meat consumption, and 331 participants received informative messages emphasizing the environmental damages linked to red meat consumption. In both treatments, there was support for mushroom-based alternatives. Analyses included subgroup assessments, tests to verify treatments effectiveness, along with OLS regression to pinpoint variables influencing message effectiveness. The results underscore a fair positive impact of the two informative messages (mean scores: 8.75 for health message; 7.01 for environmental message). Noteworthy psychosocial variables, including lifestyle patterns, nutritional perceptions, and ecological attitudes, emerged as determinants in shaping consumers' food choices. While health-related messages exhibit marked influence, the nuanced landscape of diverse drivers and barriers necessitates judicious communication strategies. These insights bear significance for policymakers, health professionals, and marketers, offering guidance for interventions that effectively influence consumer behaviour toward more sustainable and healthier food practices.

Keywords: Italy; Nudge; Plant-based meat alternative; Policy interventions; Sustainable diet.