Work

The taste of change? Free vegan meal boxes do not change meat consumption, self-efficacy, or attitudes toward a plant-based diet among meat eaters

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Excessive meat consumption is associated with health and environmental problems. Previous research has shown that the reasons for meat consumption are diverse and often include low self-efficacy beliefs in preparing alternative meals. In an experiment with 71 German participants, we investigated whether the delivery of meal boxes containing ingredients and recipes for three plant-based meals could increase self-efficacy, reduce meat consumption, and improve attitudes toward a vegan diet. No significant differences were found between the control group and the meal box recipients after the intervention. While recipients frequently liked the plant-based meals and could imagine preparing them again, the intervention did not increase their self-efficacy beliefs or affect their meat consumption. These findings indicate that the potential of meal box deliveries to alter dietary patterns may be limited. • Study examined if meal boxes boost self-efficacy and reduce meat consumption. • German households tested plant-based meal boxes over a controlled experiment. • No significant change in self-efficacy or meat consumption was observed. • Participants liked plant-based meals but didn't alter their dietary habits. • Results suggest meal boxes alone may not shift dietary patterns significantly.

Source: Food Quality and Preference

DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2025.105471

Authors: Philipp Sprengholz, Lina Hammer, Linda Scheelje

Institutions: University of Erfurt, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Bamberg

Language: English

Topic: Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,420