Socio-demographic and behavioral determinants of consumer attitudes toward cell-based meat and insect flour-based products: an empirical study on Italians’ propensity to consume new foods for human nutrition and pet food

The chapter analyses the socio-demographic and behavioural factors affecting Italian consumer attitudes to cell-based meat and insect-flour-based products. We surveyed a representative sample of the Italian adult population and found that the vast majority of respondents were reluctant to consume cell-based meat and insect-based foods. Consumption intentions were more favourable to cell-based meat. In terms of health consequences, environmental benefits, effects on animal welfare and taste, respondents had more positive perceptions of cell-based meat than insect-based foods. Alignment with tradition was perceived to be higher for cell-based meat than for insect-based products. In general, our findings support existing evidence on the role of socio-demographic factors, such as age, gender, education and political attitude, as drivers of acceptance. We also provide new evidence that technological beliefs and trust in science positively affect consumption intentions for cell-based meat, but not for insect-based products. Finally, we provide new insights into the drivers of acceptance of such products for pet food