How Nordic Producers of Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives Contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Objectives

The main objectives of this study were (1) to identify what are the key drivers from companies’ perspective that enable changes in the food system towards wider consumption of plant-based dairy alternatives, and (2) to identify different aspects of how Nordic plant-based dairy alternatives producers are contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Summary

A shift towards plant-based food system is necessary to achieve the SDGs. Producers of plant-based dairy alternatives are contributing to the shift by developing products that replace animal-based dairy with plant-based alternatives. To study their impact on the SDGs and to identify the key drivers, interviews with Nordic plant-based dairy alternatives producers were conducted.

Conclusions

Taste, price, capacity and availability, and knowledge and habits were identified to be the key drivers that enable changes in the food system towards wider consumption of plant-based dairy alternatives. Production and consumption of plant-based dairy alternatives was associated with the following SDGs: 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land). SDG 13 was identified most often, which suggests that positive impact is the biggest for climate.