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Public views of the benefits and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based diet

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 60, pages 828–837 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine consumers' perceived benefits and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based diet.

Design:

Mail survey that included questions on perceived benefits and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based diet.

Setting:

Victoria, Australia.

Subjects:

Four hundred and fifteen randomly selected Victorian adults.

Results:

The main perceived barrier to adoption of a plant-based diet was a lack of information about plant-based diets (42% agreement). Sex, age and education differences were present in over a quarter of the barrier items. For example, non-university-educated respondents and older people were less willing to change their current eating pattern than were university educated and younger respondents. The main benefits associated with plant-based diets were health benefits, particularly decreased saturated fat intake (79% agreement), increased fibre intake (76%), and disease prevention (70%). Age, sex and education differences with regard to benefits were apparent, although sex differences were more important than age or education differences.

Conclusions:

The majority of respondents perceived there to be health benefits associated with the consumption of a plant-based diet. Compared with the proportion of respondents who agreed that there were particular benefits of eating a plant-based diet, perceived barriers were relatively low. An understanding of the perceived benefits and barriers of consuming a plant-based diet will help formulate strategies that aim to influence beliefs about plant foods, plant food consumption, and, ultimately, public health.

Sponsorship:

Australian Research Council.

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Acknowledgements

The project was support by the Australian Research Council (DP0209041). EJL is supported by an ARC Postdoctoral Fellowship. DC is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council/National Heart Foundation Career Development Award.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia

    E J Lea, D Crawford & A Worsley

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  1. E J Lea
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Correspondence to E J Lea.

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Guarantor: EJ Lea.

Contributors: EJL collected and analysed the data. DC and AW assisted with design of the questionnaire. All authors contributed to interpretation of the data and to preparation of the manuscript.

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Lea, E., Crawford, D. & Worsley, A. Public views of the benefits and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based diet. Eur J Clin Nutr 60, 828–837 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602387

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