How to promote the consumption of plant proteins: A literature review

Abstract

The consumption of plant proteins has several benefits in terms of health, the environment and the development of the agri-food sector. Despite the advantages linked to the consumption of plant proteins, the consumption of meat often remains favored. This article presents a literature review aimed at listing those interventions that promote the consumption of plant proteins implemented in Canada and French-speaking European countries. Documents were identified using the Eureka database for newspaper articles from French-speaking daily newspapers from Canada and Europe and the Google News search engine. Articles published between January 1, 2015 and May 11, 2020 were selected. A total of 49 articles were included in the study. Six types of intervention were identified (awareness raising, conferences, legislation, training, partnerships/recognition programs and provision of a vegetarian meal in collective catering). The most popular intervention was the provision of vegetarian meals in collective catering. The barriers to implementing these interventions were often organizational (e.g., lack of time), financial, material and cultural. The strengths of the interventions generally involved the participatory and voluntary nature of the target audience and the inclusion of diverse stakeholders. This literature review  can guide stakeholders working in the field of nutrition to promote plant protein consumption.