Factors Influencing Consumption of Animal-Based Dairy and Plant-Based Milk Alternatives in Australia

Grace Tulysewski (), Gilly A. Hendrie, Danielle L. Baird, Wendy Umberger and Lenka Malek
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Grace Tulysewski: Centre for Global Food and Resources, The University of Adelaide, Level 6 Nexus 10 Tower, 10 Pulteney Street, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
Gilly A. Hendrie: Human Health Program, Health and Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
Danielle L. Baird: Human Health Program, Health and Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
Wendy Umberger: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
Lenka Malek: School of Agriculture, Food & Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 16, 1-15

Abstract: In the transition to more environmentally sustainable food systems, the production and consumption of resource-intensive animal-based dairy foods (ABD) remains a talking point. Given the power of consumer choice in transforming food systems, understanding consumer priorities surrounding ABD consumption and their plant-based counterparts is fundamental. Using data from 3271 unique survey respondents, the objectives of this study were to examine the consumption frequencies of ABD and plant-based milk (PBM) in Australia over time (2019–2022) and determine the psychosocial and sociodemographic factors associated with distinct consumer segments. Multivariate analysis identified sociodemographic and food choice factors associated with three consumer segments: ‘exclusive PBM consumers’, ‘exclusive ABD consumers’, and ‘mixed consumers’ (consumers of both product types). Despite the growing availability of plant-based milk alternatives, exclusive PBM consumption remains relatively uncommon compared to mixed plant and animal dairy consumption. ‘Exclusive ABD consumers’ had a higher probability of being older and less likely to prioritise health and nutrition than ‘mixed consumers’. ‘Exclusive PBM consumers’ were more likely to prioritise food tolerance and restrictions and less likely to prioritise product taste than ‘exclusive ABD consumers’. We report sociodemographic and motivational factors influencing animal-based dairy and plant-based milk choices. The outcomes are of interest to sustainable food systems development stakeholders, with potential applications in the public health and commercial food promotion sectors.

Keywords: sustainable food consumption; food choice; dairy alternatives; consumer priorities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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