Plant and insect-based foods in youth diets: from market economics to social acceptance and regulation in Europe

Background Growing demand for sustainable protein sources has increased interest in plant and insect-based foods as alternatives to conventional animal-based food. Although the sustainability benefits of plant and insect-based foods are well established, regulatory frameworks and consumer acceptance, especially among Western youth, remain poorly understood. Understanding youth attitudes is critical, as they are key drivers of household food choices and are still forming lifelong habits that influence long-term dietary preferences and sustainable consumption behaviours. Scope and approach This review assesses the potential of plant and insect-based foods to support healthy diets in children and adolescents. Focusing on four insect species and four plant crops, the review integrates evidence on market availability, and how nutritional composition, processing technologies, cultural perceptions, and policy conditions collectively shape the suitability and acceptability of these alternative foods for youth. Studies reporting on behavioural, social, or safety factors relevant to youth were included. Due to methodological heterogeneity, findings were narratively synthesised. Key findings and conclusions Plant-based proteins are expected to dominate the market by 2030, while insect-based options grow more slowly. However, both alternative foods have uncertainties regarding nutrient adequacy, allergenicity, and cultural integration. Research on acceptance remains uneven, concentrated in Northern Europe and focused mostly on children, with regulations that vary by region and seldom address youth specifically. Future research should focus on optimising processing technologies, evaluating nutrient bioavailability, and generating robust clinical evidence on the nutritional and health impacts of these products in children. Common policies and education strategies will be essential to balance sustainability objectives with the safety and nutritional needs of young generations.