Evaluating Consumer Confusion: The Case of Labeling Restrictions on Plant-Based Cheese in Türkiye

— Animetrics

Recent global restrictions and proposed bans on labeling and marketing are presenting significant challenges to the growth of the plant-based food industry. Turkiye has also banned the use of the word ‘cheese’ for plant-based cheese products, claiming to protect consumers from confusion.

In this project, our objective is to examine allegations of confusion surrounding plant-based foods, with a specific focus on distinguishing between plant-based and animal-based cheese products in Turkiye. The Turkish market presents unique challenges due to limited consumer awareness and market penetration of these products. To address our question, we will conduct an incentivized online experiment with a representative sample of the population, complemented by a focus group of vegans and vegetarians. Our goal is to offer valuable insights and practical recommendations for navigating the challenges posed by bans on plant-based products, thereby supporting the growth and acceptance of plant-based options in Turkiye.

Direct and Spillover Effects of Educational Interventions on Attitudes Toward Plant-Based Diets: Evidence from a Controlled Experiment

— Animetrics, Mercy for Animals, and Bryant Research

We explore how educational programs can directly change attitudes about plant-based diets and how these changes might spread to friends. Using a controlled experimental design with university students, we aim to understand if students who receive the intervention change their views and if their peers, who don’t participate, also change their opinions through spillovers. This is important because understanding these spillover effects provides a more complete view of how educational strategies influence broader dietary shifts and helps us design more effective interventions that reach beyond the initial participants.

Attitudes towards Farmed Animals in the Middle East and North Africa Region

— Animetrics and Middle East Vegan Society

Understanding public attitudes toward animal agriculture is crucial for shaping effective regulations. While much research exists in Western countries, studies on Muslim populations are extremely limited. As Muslim populations represent a significant and growing segment of the global community, their religious and cultural beliefs, such as Islamic teachings on animal welfare and halal practices, play a key role in shaping views on animal welfare and agriculture. Including these perspectives is important for creating policies that are both inclusive and globally relevant.

This study builds on earlier work by Mercy for Animals, which explored international views on farmed animals, speciesism, welfare, and plant-based diets. We expand this by focusing on the Middle East and North Africa region, with attention to Islamic views and regional issues. By addressing topics like halal and religiosity, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of public attitudes and support for animal welfare in this context.