Research into the future of food
Experimenting with the food transition
The Food Pioneers Food Labs are experimental projects exploring new perspectives on the food transition. We are working on interventions in supermarkets, measurements in urban farming areas, and behavioral experiments with consumers. These labs generate well-founded insights and practical applications that have a direct impact on the food environment.
Collaboration with secondary schools, colleges, universities, and consulting firms creates a strong interplay between theory and practice. This way, we bring scientific knowledge closer to society and strengthen the breeding ground for change. See who these labs are relevant for .
Collaborating on Impact
In our labs, we develop new knowledge, campaigns, and prototypes with local and international partners. By connecting projects to European networks and research (such as FOODCITYBOOST), we create a structural embedding of experiments within broader contexts. Think of collaborations within European consortia or long-term research programs.
Our labs
Lowfood Lab – new flavors with impact
In the Lowfood Lab, chefs and developers demonstrate how culinary innovation contributes to a more sustainable and equitable food system. They experiment with underutilized ingredients like chestnuts, mycelium, and lesser-known animal parts. This lab demonstrates that system change can also be delicious.
Gastronomy is used here as a means of communication. Creativity and craftsmanship result in dishes that not only inspire but also encourage behavioral change.
Living Lab – Flevoland as a testing ground
Flevoland's unique history makes it the ideal testing ground for food issues. Food Pioneers uses Almere as a Living Lab , testing innovative ideas in real-world environments. Think urban farming, food democracy, and circular supply chains.
In collaboration with European partners and as part of the European project FOODCITYBOOST, we develop projects that stimulate knowledge exchange between regions. Flevoland's strength lies in its short communication lines and experimental space, which enables rapid scaling up and policy implementation.
Consumer research – insights into behavior and choices
Food Pioneers develops and tests interventions in supermarkets, community centers, and schools. One example is the Bean Food Pairing program at Ekoplaza, which encouraged consumers to eat legumes more often. Small adjustments in product presentation and communication led to measurable behavioral changes. Read more about our consumer research .
These experiments are part of broader European strategies for healthy and sustainable food. By sharing insights with policymakers and entrepreneurs, we contribute to effective, scientifically substantiated food interventions.
For whom
Retail & foodservice – interventions and shelf-shelving communication that encourage healthy, sustainable choices.
Manufacturers & developers – proposition, packaging and product fit with real use cases.
Education & research – living-lab approach with clear indicators and continuous knowledge sharing.
Government & region – substantiated input for food environment and policy.
Want to join in?
Interested in joining, testing, or submitting a question? Get in touch or schedule an introductory meeting. Also check our calendar for upcoming meetings and lab sessions.
