One-fifth of UK consumers reduce meat consumption during outbreak, The Vegan Society reveals
30 Apr 2020 --- A fifth of UK consumers have cut down on their meat consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey conducted by The Vegan Society. It also found 15 percent have reduced their dairy/egg intake over the lockdown period. These figures highlight how pressures on supermarkets and consumers are changing buying behavior towards a more ethical, compassionate alternative, says the Vegan Society. “Particularly in a time of crisis, people’s purchasing habits can tell you a lot about what the future might hold for the industry,” a spokesperson tells FoodIngredientsFirst.
“The data shows three main strands behind why people are opting for plant-based alternatives instead of meat or dairy products: these are the fact that their preferred product isn't on the shelves, the desire to improve the rights of animals, the environment or their own health and lastly, the cost of meat and dairy produce,” The Vegan Society spokesperson comments. 
“It’s really encouraging to see 20 percent of UK consumers reduce their consumption of meat in favor of plant-based alternatives,” they highlight.
Out of those who have reduced their meat or dairy consumption, 41 percent did so due to their preferred product not being available on the supermarket shelves, while 43 percent chose to reduce their meat consumption out of concern for health, environmental or animal rights reasons, data from the study reveals.
The cost of meat products was also noted by respondents, with 15 percent opting for alternatives due to the price of meat in the supermarkets, highlighting how creeping financial pressures are contributing towards a shift to plant-based alternatives.
Plant milk is also proving to be popular, with 54 percent and 42 percent of those who have tried soya milk and almond milk respectively saying they will make them a regular purchase.Meanwhile, plant milk is also proving to be popular, with 54 percent and 42 percent of those who have tried soya milk and almond milk respectively saying they will make them a regular purchase once the lockdown has been lifted. The most popular being almond milk (42 percent), meat alternatives such as vegan sausages and burgers (38 percent), soya milk (36 percent) and pulses such as lentils and chickpeas (34 percent), says The Vegan Society.
“The issue of cost is particularly important, as some corners of the media seem to think that veganism is an unaffordable lifestyle for many. The reality is anything but. Swapping out mince for lentils or chickpeas, for example, or choosing fresh vegetables over meat produce, is actually rather cost-effective and doesn't sacrifice flavor. Consumers are starting to understand this,” says the spokesperson.
“People have also become more conscious of the damaging impact that animal agriculture has on the planet, as well as how exploitative the practice is towards farmed animals. This is definitely contributing to the shift towards plant-based products,” they note.
Interestingly, many of the one in five Brits are fans of the new plant-based alternatives they’ve tried and have committed to buying them. Half of those who have also tried vegan meat alternatives such as vegan burgers and sausages have said they will keep on purchasing them.
“There is no better time for innovators to explore new plant-based options,” continues the spokesperson. “The demand for these products is at an all-time high and supermarkets, restaurants and brands are all looking for ways to catch up with the demand and launch new, vegan products. The plant-based boom has only just begun,” they remark.
Lots of UK supermarkets are imposing a limit of three per product to limit stockpiling, and this is the case with many products, not just vegan ones. “Supermarkets and suppliers are facing an unprecedented situation, we are sure they are doing all they can to keep up with this increased demand for vegan alternatives to meat and dairy,” adds the spokesperson.
People are spending more time than they usually would at home, and this has given families more time and space to cook and try out new recipes or being more creative in the kitchen. “This might explain why some people have decided to take a leap of faith and try a vegan alternative that they wouldn’t usually buy,” the spokesperson says.
By Elizabeth Green
