At EFFoST 2025 in Porto, Thomas Brunner (Bern University of Applied Sciences) presented new insights from the Horizon Europe project Sustain-a-bite, focusing on how consumers perceive the use of food industry side streams—such as tomato or apple pomace—in minimally processed plant-based foods.

The study gathered views from consumers in Switzerland, Finland, Portugal, and Romania. While the concept of using side streams was largely unfamiliar at first, most participants responded positively once they understood its benefits for sustainability, waste reduction, and the transition toward circular food systems.

What consumers appreciated

• Better use of raw materials

• Reduced food waste along the value chain

• Potential cost savings and environmental benefits

These advantages aligned strongly with consumers’ expectations for more resource-efficient and planet-friendly food options.

Key concerns raised

• Food safety and traceability

• Additional processing needs

• Availability of side-stream materials

• Differences in perceived quality

Pricing expectations

The study also highlighted national differences:

• Swiss consumers were generally open to paying similar prices to conventional products.

• Finnish, Portuguese, and Romanian participants expressed a preference for lower prices when using side-stream ingredients.

A step forward for circular and sustainable innovation

These findings illustrate how informed consumers can be supportive of circular economy approaches in plant-based foods—especially when sustainability benefits are communicated clearly. The results offer valuable guidance for producers developing the next generation of affordable, sustainable, and minimally processed plant-based products.