Veterinary session

The environmental sustainability of the food chain is attracting increasing political and consumer attention. A growing population creates a rising demand for protein, which poses significant food security challenges, especially given the limited environmental resources. The complexity of the issue is highlighted by the need to consider food safety factors alongside economic and social aspects.

Today, several potential alternative protein sources are available, with their market opportunities influenced by various factors. The aim of our research is to support professional dialogue by presenting consumer perspectives. The study mapped the preferences and needs of the Hungarian population regarding meat consumption and alternative protein sources, including plant-based alternatives, insect proteins, and lab-grown meat.

A survey was conducted with 1003 adult Hungarian respondents, and the quantitative sample is considered representative based on gender, age groups, and place of residence according to NUTS-2 regions. The data were analyzed using statistical tests with SPSS software. The impact of demographic factors was examined using one-way ANOVA test at a 95% confidence level.

According to the results, compared to conventional meat products and those that have been on the market for a longer period and are more familiar and accepted by consumers—such as soy or pea-based alternatives—the concept of lab-grown meat was met with skepticism and rejection by a significant portion of the respondents. However, it is worth noting that compared to insect-based protein products, lab-grown meat had somewhat higher acceptance.

The analysis placed a strong emphasis on examining the impact of demographic factors on the acceptance of protein sources. Based on the findings, men, younger individuals, and those living in the capital are less likely to reject lab-grown meat. However, whether the consumer resides in a village or a town did not significantly influence preferences.

Based on the research results, we can gain an up-to-date view of the consumer acceptance of alternative protein sources compared to conventional meat products and the related preferences, as well as their demographic determinants. It is evident that lab-grown meats are generally rejected by Hungarian consumers, but there is higher openness towards this alternative among certain demographic groups. These findings should be considered in public communication and can provide useful insights for preparing policy decisions.