05 Oct 2017 --- When it comes to protein, nearly half of US and Canadian consumers eat it with every meal, according to a recent consumer survey conducted by The Nielsen Company. For one-fifth of consumers, plant-based proteins like legumes, seeds and nuts are among their preferred sources of protein. However, animal protein from meat, such as chicken, beef, turkey, pork and seafood, ranks first, which aligns with the fact that consumers in both countries spend more than half of their protein dollars on animal protein.