Researching the future of food
Experimenting with the food transition
Food Pioneers’ Food Labs are experimental projects that explore new perspectives on the transition towards a more sustainable food system. We work on supermarket interventions, measurements in urban agriculture areas and behavioural experiments with consumers. These labs generate evidence-based insights and practical applications that have a direct impact on the food environment.
Collaboration with secondary schools, universities of applied sciences, universities and consultancy firms creates a strong interaction between theory and practice. This brings scientific knowledge closer to society and creates fertile ground for change. Scroll down to see who these labs are relevant for.
Working together for impact
In our labs, we work with local and international partners to develop new knowledge, campaigns and prototypes. By connecting projects to European networks and research programmes such as FOODCITYBOOST, experiments become structurally embedded in a broader context, for example through collaboration in European consortia or long-term research programmes.
Our labs
Lowfood Lab – new flavors with impact
In the Lowfood Lab, chefs and product developers show how culinary innovation can contribute to a more sustainable and fair food system. They experiment with underused ingredients such as chestnuts, mycelium and lesser-known cuts of meat. This lab shows that system change can be delicious.
Here, gastronomy is used as a communication tool. Creativity and craftsmanship result in dishes that not only inspire, but also encourage people to change their behaviour.
Living Lab – Flevoland as a testing ground
Thanks to its unique history, Flevoland is an ideal testing ground for food-related challenges. Food Pioneers uses Almere as a Living Lab,
where innovative ideas are tested in real-life settings. Think urban agriculture, food democracy and circular value 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 short lines of communication and plenty of room for experimentation, enabling rapid scaling and policy implementation.
Consumer research – insights into behavior and choices
Food Pioneers develops and tests interventions in supermarkets, community centres and schools. One example is the Bean Food Pairing project at Ekoplaza, which encouraged consumers to eat pulses more often. Small changes in product presentation and communication led to measurable shifts in behaviour. Read more about our consumer research.
These experiments are part of broader European strategies for healthy and sustainable diets. By sharing insights with policymakers and entrepreneurs, we contribute to effective, scientifically grounded food interventions.
For whom
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Retail & foodservice – interventions and shelf communication that encourage healthy, sustainable choices.
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Manufacturers & developers – proposition, packaging and product fit with real use cases.
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Education & research – Living Lab set-ups with clear indicators and continuous knowledge sharing.
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Government & region – substantiated input for food environment and policy.
Get involved
Would you like to join, test with us or bring in a challenge? Get in touch or schedule an introductory meeting. You can also check our calendar for upcoming events and lab sessions.
