Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives: Spain & Portugal Nutritionists Agree
Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives Gain Ground with Nutrition Pros in spain and Portugal
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Madrid, Spain – As dietary habits evolve and interest in plant-based foods surges, a new survey reveals that nutrition professionals in Spain and Portugal are increasingly embracing plant-based dairy alternatives (PBDAs). The European Food Data Council (EUFIC) recently published the final research reports of its survey, offering valuable insights into how these experts view options like soy, oat, almond, rice, and coconut-based drinks and yogurts.
Strong Support for PBDAs
The survey highlights a significant level of acceptance among nutrition professionals. An impressive 88% of Spanish and 93% of Portuguese professionals recognize PBDAs as a healthy dietary component. This endorsement extends to dietary guidelines, with 78% in Spain and 76% in Portugal supporting the inclusion of PBDAs in national recommendations.
Fortification is Key
A strong consensus emerged regarding fortification, with 81% of Spanish and 96% of portuguese professionals believing that PBDAs should be fortified with vitamins and minerals. This underscores the importance of ensuring that these alternatives provide comparable nutritional value to customary dairy products.
Why Recommend PBDAs?
The top reasons cited by professionals for recommending PBDAs include lactose intolerance, adherence to vegan or plant-based diets, and the desire to promote dietary diversity. These findings reflect the growing awareness of PBDAs as valuable options for individuals with specific dietary needs or preferences.
Addressing awareness Gaps
While support for PBDAs is strong, the survey also revealed differences in professionals’ perceptions of nutritional value, processing methods, environmental impact, and fortification practices. These gaps highlight the need for clearer guidance and dialog to empower professionals to make informed recommendations.
Diving Deeper into the Data
The comprehensive report goes beyond headline figures, offering detailed statistics, charts, and comparisons with previous research. It also provides insights into professionals’ familiarity with PBDAs, their consumption patterns, and qualitative responses that shed light on their reasoning and justifications.
Implications for the future
The EUFIC survey has significant implications for nutrition research, practice, and policy. By understanding the perspectives of nutrition professionals, policymakers and industry stakeholders can work together to develop evidence-based guidelines and promote informed choices regarding plant-based dairy alternatives.