(Image credit: Unsplash)
“Plant-based” was an unknown term just a few years ago to most consumers, but today, plant-based eating and products that advertise themselves as plant-based, from pureed potatoes to cleaning products, are prolific.
But with growth slowing in some plant-based product categories, and a pioneer of the imitation meat world reporting slowing sales and other issues, it’s natural to ask the question: Will the demand for plant-based foods fall as fast as it grew? Far from it, according to Datassential.
The term “plant-based” on menus, which once increased as much as 2,800% in the last four years, is now up 1,517%. That may seem like a significant change, but it still makes the term one of the fastest growing menus out there, by far.
Perhaps, simply put, plant-based has gone from being a trend to being a lifestyle.
And while vegetarian and vegan diets are still relatively rare among consumers (about 2% identify as vegan and 3% as vegetarian), a growing number of Americans are limiting meat, increasing their consumption of plants, and trying to lean to a larger number of plants. diet based on the future.
About 71% of Americans identify as carnivores, according to Datassential, but 22% call themselves flexitarian, which simply means that they focus on eating less meat, either by adhering to “Meatless Mondays” or by abstaining from meat. otherwise. And another 7% call themselves pescatarian, vegetarian or vegan. Together, that means 29% of the population, or nearly one in three Americans, are “meat limiters.” When you look at younger consumers, it’s even higher: 36% of Gen Z consumers define themselves as meat eaters in some way. limiters
As we take a closer look at what consumers are planning for the future, the desire for more plant-based options is growing. Some 14% of consumers say they want to eat more meat, down 6% from last year. But 57% of consumers say they want to eat more fruit and vegetables, up 10% from last year.
The same goes for dairy vs. alternatives. About 15% of consumers say they want to consume more dairy, down 6% from last year. And around a quarter (24%) want to increase the amount of non-dairy substitutes in their diet, up 5% from last year.
Of course, the old adage about “the best laid plans” can be inserted here, but consumer intentions, coupled with the still-rapid growth of plant-based foods as a term on menus, should encourage manufacturers of food to continue investing. in expanding plant-based offerings.
And that expansion may help guide already “plant-minded” consumers to opt for an alternative to meat and dairy. Especially when you consider that nearly two-thirds (65%) of consumers agree that climate change can be mitigated by eating differently. Sure, there are other ways to help the planet, like using less plastic or driving an electric car, but the most practical and affordable way for consumers seems to be to eat more plants.
And consumers believe that a plant-based diet has great personal benefits, too. Nearly 40% believe plant-based or plant-based foods support digestive health, and 32% believe it protects them from disease in the long run. Other benefits of the diet that consumers believe include weight loss support, healthier bones, skin and hair, immune protection and energy improvements.
Datassential research suggests that consumers are considering plant-based foods for their long-term benefits, rather than quick health fixes. And that’s what makes it a good bet that the plant boom isn’t going to fade anytime soon.
Samantha Des Jardins is a Content Marketing Manager at Datassential.
Read more like this one from SmartBrief:
________________________________________________
If you liked this article, please sign up for the free SmartBrief e-newsletter from the National Restaurant Association. It is one of over 250 industry-focused newsletters from SmartBrief.
Source: news.google.com