Why Westerners don't eat much seaweed? New study compares Japan and the UK
Seaweed is attracting attention as a nutritious, sustainable food with a low environmental impact, but it is not widely consumed in the West. To explore the reasons for this, a research team including Brunel University London conducted a comparative study between Japan, where seaweed is consumed on a daily basis, and the UK, where it is not commonly eaten.
Who eats seaweed? Barriers and motivations in Japan versus the United Kingdom - ScienceDirect
Why are westerners so reluctant to eat seaweed? Our new study reveals the social and psychological reasons
https://theconversation.com/why-are-westerners-so-reluctant-to-eat-seaweed-our-new-study-reveals-the-social-and-psychological-reasons-263002
Seaweed is rich in vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary fiber. Its cultivation requires no fertilizers, pesticides, freshwater, or farmland, and it is expected to absorb carbon dioxide and mitigate ocean acidification. Despite its nutritional and environmental benefits, seaweed is rarely found on Western diets, and is considered a limited ingredient in dishes like sushi.
The survey was conducted online among adults in the UK and Japan, and asked questions about frequency of eating seaweed, ease of purchasing it, likelihood of eating it in the future, and awareness of its health benefits. The results revealed significant differences in perceptions of seaweed and consumer characteristics between the two countries.
The research team reported that seaweed consumption in the UK was more prevalent among ethnic minorities and university graduates, and tended to be more popular among people on the political left, suggesting that seaweed is perceived as a new or alternative food in the UK rather than a traditional food ingredient.
Meanwhile, in Japan, in contrast to the UK, the researchers found that seaweed consumption was more prevalent among women and those who identify as politically right-wing. Regarding the relationship between political orientation and food culture in particular, the research team argued, 'Generally, political right-wingers tend to emphasize traditional values and customs. Seaweed is a 'traditional food ingredient' deeply rooted in the Japanese diet, and is therefore likely supported and consumed by right-wingers who value its value.' They also speculated that the higher consumption among women may be due to access to traditional markets and established purchasing habits.
by RuinDig/Yuki Uchida
A common thread between the two countries was that people who are willing to take risks, including trying new foods, are more likely to eat seaweed. The impact of institutional trust, such as trust in government and scientists, also varied by country. In Japan, people with higher trust in government were more likely to view seaweed as healthy, but no similar association was found in the UK.
The research team argues that simply emphasizing the health benefits and environmental benefits is not enough to increase seaweed consumption in countries like the UK where seaweed is unfamiliar. The biggest barrier to seaweed consumption is 'cultural unfamiliarity,' meaning people will not pick it up unless they perceive it as part of their own food culture. The research team concluded that for seaweed to move from an exotic food ingredient to an everyday food, building a cultural connection will be just as important as its nutritional value and environmental benefits.
Related Posts:
