Animetrics Research Examines Lebanon’s Food System Amid Crisis and Cultural Traditions

Between January and March 2026, Animetrics released a series of finalized projects examining how cultural traditions, economic realities, and institutional structures shape food systems in Muslim‑majority contexts, covering Lebanon, the Gulf, and Türkiye. In Lebanon, the research captures a nation in crisis: economic collapse, currency devaluation, and the strain of hosting large refugee populations have reshaped everyday food choices. Within this fragile landscape, the study situates consumer perspectives to reveal how cultural traditions, economic hardship, and generational change intersect, showing both the persistence of meat‑centered rituals and the quiet emergence of plant‑based alternatives.

Animetrics is a pioneering initiative designed to fill a critical gap in global knowledge by producing locally grounded, culturally resonant studies. Its mission is to provide evidence‑based insights that can reshape food systems, challenge harmful practices, and highlight pathways toward compassion and resilience.

Pathways to Protecting Farmed Animals in Lebanon

Finalized in February 2026, the Lebanon project drew on more than six hundred respondents across both urban and rural areas. The survey was conducted in late 2025 and completed in early 2026, offering a timely snapshot of consumer attitudes during one of the country’s most difficult periods.

Lebanon’s food system is uniquely vulnerable due to its heavy reliance on imports, compounded by economic collapse, currency devaluation, and the strain of hosting large refugee populations. Meat remains central to cultural rituals such as weddings, Eid celebrations, and communal feasts, reinforcing its symbolic role in identity and hospitality. Yet awareness of industrial farming practices is limited, with many consumers assuming imported products meet higher welfare standards than they actually do.

The research revealed generational divides: younger and urban populations show greater openness to plant‑based alternatives, influenced by global trends, diaspora connections, and exposure through social media. In contrast, rural communities remain more attached to traditional meat‑based rituals, though economic hardship is pushing some households to reduce consumption.

The study also highlighted systemic barriers: weak labeling laws, limited institutional procurement of plant‑based foods, and trade policies that favor animal‑source imports. These structural issues make it difficult for consumers to access affordable alternatives, even when interest exists.

The Lebanon project concludes with a recommendation: advocacy efforts may be strengthened by communicating public expectations to institutional and religious actors, and by encouraging discussion of farmed animal protections and where they are currently lacking.