Factors influencing a college student population's intention to purchase meat-mushroom blended burgers

Abstract In recent years, the rise in meat consumption has been criticized for health, environmental, and ethical reasons. This trend has fostered the shift from a meat-centric diet to a plant-forward diet. A prime example of this is the introduction of “blended meat products” that mix plant-based ingredients into meat-based foods. This study designed and implemented a survey in a U.S. college campus residential dining hall (n = 296) to investigate the impact of key demographic, motivational and attitudinal factors on the purchase intention of a meat-mushroom blended burger in which mushrooms partially replaced beef. The results show that young consumers with a positive perception of a sustainable diet, with a positive attitude toward food innovation, and with a positive motivation to process sustainability and nutrition information were more likely to purchase the meat-mushroom blended burger. The results have implications for marketers, policymakers, as well as for retailers. These findings can help them better understand young consumers' behavior and identify strategies to encourage young adults to shift from a meat-centric diet to a plant-forwarded diet.