Perceptions and knowledge of protein in dairy and plant-based alternatives among stakeholders in the US marketplace

This study explores beliefs about protein in dairy and plant-based (PB) alternatives among stakeholders in the US marketplace and whether beliefs are associated with product preferences. Eight thousand and fifty-two unique comments submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in response to a request for public input on the labelling of PB dairy alternatives (FDA-2018-N-3522) were coded. Of these, 383 (4.8%) discussed protein and were analysed for protein-specific themes. Themes were examined in relation to the submitter's product preference. Most comments that discussed protein focused on protein content and/or health outcomes believed to be associated with intake. Only one commenter who preferred dairy demonstrated an inaccurate understanding of protein content in dairy and PB alternatives, although nearly all failed to identify fortified soy beverage as an appropriate protein replacement; meanwhile, 14.2% who preferred PB alternatives demonstrated an inaccurate understanding regarding protein content in dairy and PB products. The results suggest knowledge gaps exist regarding protein in PB dairy alternatives, especially among those who prefer non-dairy options.