As more people look for eco-friendly and animal-friendly food options, plant-based burgers and milk have become popular choices.
But vegan eggs haven’t gotten the same attention—until now.
A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Purdue University has taken a closer look at what might encourage people to try plant-based eggs.
Led by graduate student Da Eun Kim and Professor Brenna Ellison, the research explored how different situations and product types affect people’s willingness to give vegan eggs a try.
Instead of simply asking people if they would buy plant-based eggs, the researchers used a creative approach called a “vignette experiment.”
In this method, participants were asked to imagine they were having breakfast either at home or in a restaurant. They were then given a choice between scrambled eggs or pancakes made with plant-based eggs.
One surprising finding was that the setting—home versus restaurant—didn’t matter as much as the researchers expected. “We thought people might feel more comfortable trying a new food like this at a restaurant, where a chef knows how to cook it well,” said Ellison. “But it didn’t really make a difference.”
What did make a difference was how the eggs were used. People were more willing to try plant-based eggs when they were part of something familiar, like pancakes, instead of served alone as scrambled eggs. This suggests that mixing vegan eggs into well-known dishes can help people get past any doubts or hesitation.
Participants also compared plant-based eggs with regular ones. Traditional eggs still won on expected taste and appearance. However, plant-based eggs were rated better when it came to helping the environment and protecting animal welfare. These values are becoming more important to many shoppers.
The study also found that people who had already tried plant-based eggs were more open to buying them again. This shows that one good experience can go a long way in changing someone’s mind.
According to Ellison, “Introducing vegan eggs in a dish people already like could be the easiest way to help them try something new.” That way, they can enjoy the food without focusing too much on what it’s made of.
Even though plant-based eggs might not be replacing scrambled eggs on every breakfast plate just yet, they’re finding their place. The key may be to start small—by mixing them into pancakes or other familiar foods—and letting people taste for themselves. Sometimes, all it takes is one bite to change someone’s view.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about the harm of vitamin D deficiency, and Mediterranean diet may preserve brain volume in older adults.
For more health information, please see recent studies about foods to naturally lower high blood pressure, and a simple breakfast switch can help control type 2 diabetes.
