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. 2024 Jul 31;16(15):2501.
doi: 10.3390/nu16152501.

Exploring the Sustainability of Upcycled Foods: An Analysis of Consumer Behavior in Taiwan

Min-Yen Chang  1 , Kung-Ling Lai  2 , I-Kai Lin  3 , Ching-Tzu Chao  3 , Han-Shen Chen  3   4
Affiliations

Exploring the Sustainability of Upcycled Foods: An Analysis of Consumer Behavior in Taiwan

Min-Yen Chang et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Given the urgent climate change and food security challenges, upcycled food products are crucial for sustainable food production and waste management. This study investigates Taiwanese consumer behavior towards upcycled foods using the value-attitude-behavior (VAB) theory, focusing on "product knowledge", "green perceived quality", and "price sensitivity". Of the 335 distributed surveys, 320 valid responses (95.5% effectiveness) were analyzed. The results indicated that eco-conscious values strongly influenced consumer attitudes and anticipated guilt (β = 0.647, p < 0.001; β = 0.691, p < 0.001), shaping behavioral intentions (β = 0.290, p < 0.001). Attitudes significantly correlated with intentions, validating the VAB framework. However, anticipated guilt showed a minimal impact (β = 0.029, p = 0.629), revealing complex consumer emotions. Green perceived quality and product knowledge were the key decision-making factors (β = 0.193, p < 0.001; β = 0.146, p < 0.001). Surprisingly, price sensitivity positively influences intentions (β = 0.764, p < 0.001), suggesting the consumer prioritization of quality and environmental values over price. These insights inform strategies for businesses to enhance consumer engagement and sustainability alignment, advancing progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); food choices; food safety; food waste; upcycled food.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Research framework diagram.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Structural equation modeling diagram. Note: ** p < 0.01; *** p < 0.001.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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