A survey conducted by The Vegan Society has found that 1 in 5 UK consumers have cut down on meat consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These figures highlight how pressures on consumers are changing buying behaviour.
Out of those who have reduced their meat or dairy consumption:
41% did so due to their preferred product not being available.
43% chose to reduce their meat consumption out of concern for health, environmental or animal rights reasons.
The cost of meat products was also noted by respondents, with 15% opting for alternatives due to the price of meat, highlighting how creeping financial pressures are contributing towards a shift to plant-based alternatives.
UK consumers who are reducing their meat and dairy consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic have been sampling alternatives.
Interestingly, many of the 1 in 5 UK consumers are fans of the new alternatives they’ve tried and have committed to continue buying them in the future.
Half of those who have tried vegan meat alternatives such as vegan burgers and sausages have said they will keep on purchasing them after the COVID-19 lockdown.
Meanwhile, plant milk is also proving to be popular, with 54% and 42% of those who have tried soy milk and almond milk respectively saying they will make them a regular purchase once the lockdown has been lifted.
