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Choice effects associated with banning the word “meat” on alternative protein labels

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  • Benjamin DeMuth
  • Trey Malone
  • Brandon R. McFadden
  • Christopher A. Wolf

Abstract

There is debate about whether meat labeling regulations might prevent consumer confusion or simply reduce the substitution between competing products. Using a between‐subjects experiment with a sample of 1504 U.S. households, we tested whether U.S. consumers could accurately identify the nutrition content and ingredients in traditional and nontraditional meat. We then conducted a discrete choice experiment to test for likely changes in choices between traditional and nontraditional meat products. Results suggest that more than 30% of consumers cannot accurately distinguish between the two. We find that labeling restrictions do not decrease consumer confusion and are unlikely to substantially affect how consumers substitute between traditional and nontraditional meat.

Suggested Citation

  • Benjamin DeMuth & Trey Malone & Brandon R. McFadden & Christopher A. Wolf, 2023. "Choice effects associated with banning the word “meat” on alternative protein labels," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 45(1), pages 128-144, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:apecpp:v:45:y:2023:i:1:p:128-144
    DOI: 10.1002/aepp.13319
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    References listed on IDEAS

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