Nearly a Quarter of Americans Are Now Eating Plant-Based Meat Alternatives

Plant-based foods have become increasingly more popular in the U.S. in recent months, and now nearly one-quarter of the US population are trying new plant-based meat alternatives, according to a consumer study. Since the pandemic buying spree sales of plant-based foods are up 35 percent, as more Americans who do not define themselves as vegan or even plant-based want to try the new meatless offerings that are flooding the market.

The flexitarian movement is being met by food companies that are releasing more plant-based alternatives every day, and health-conscious consumers are excited to try them. Nearly 23 percent of Americans have consumed plant-based meat products according to a study conducted by OnePoll, on behalf of Herbalife Nutrition

The report, titled Meat, Poultry & Seafood Alternatives: Outlook for Plant-Based & Cultured Cell-Based Consumer Products, found that consumers are interested in meat alternatives for a variety of reasons including environmental concerns, health issues, and growing news coverage of meat industry animal abuse.

“There are opportunities to target this burgeoning minority of consumers, who may be persuaded to use larger volumes of plant-based meat in their diets," said Jennifer Mapes-Christ, the food and beverage publisher at Packaged Facts. "The 77 percent of consumers who do not eat plant-based meat products also suggests that marketers have a lot of room to increase penetration among the population.”

The report aligns with other research that suggests a shift in the American diet towards plant-based foods. A survey by OnePoll suggests that nearly half of Americans have been choosing more plant-based foods during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with eating more plant-based, 43 percent of Americans are eating less meat, 25 percent have reduced or cut dairy out of their diets, and 23 percent are reducing or eliminating eggs from their diet. To learn how to shift towards a more plant-based diet, check out our Beginner's Guide, which has everything you need to start your journey, from a nutritionist.