Factors Influencing Consumers' Willingness-to-Try Seafood Byproducts

With increasing global demand for seafood, seafood byproducts (SB) utilization can contribute to a more sustainable food supply chain through waste-to-value food product development. However, consumer perceptions of SB (e.g., fish skin and bones) are underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate some factors influencing consumers' willingness-to-try seafood byproducts. An online survey was conducted in the USA regarding intervention of SB informational cues with N = 904 adult seafood consumers internationally. The proportion of consumers willing to try SB increased significantly (McNemar's test, α = 0.05) from 47% to 68% after SB safety and health claims had been presented in the questionnaire. Gender, race, SB knowledge, and previous SB consumption were significant predictors of trial intent (based on logistic regression), as were emotional baseline scores during the COVID-19 pandemic. Males were more open to SB consumption than females, and racial identity was associated with differential responsiveness to SB information. Higher levels of "bored" and "unsafe" feelings, and lower levels of "free" were associated with increased SB trial intent. Potential SB consumers identified fish products (82% willingness-to-try); seasoning mix, sauces, and dressing (71% willingness-to-try); and soup and gravy products (62% willingness-to-try) as most appropriate for SB incorporation. Predominant reasons for SB avoidance were concerns about sensory quality, safety, and nutrition. These consumer-driven data could guide SB product development concepts to encourage trial and overcome aversions through new consumption experience.