A new poll has found that 16m Brits are eating more vegetarian and vegan meals than ever before.
Released ahead of the recent Veganuary campaign, Ubamarket, the retail shopping app, commissioned research to find out how dietary trends are reshaping the whole retail industry.
It was found that 31 per cent of Brits – 16.08m – are eating more vegetarian and vegan meals than ever before, while 32 per cent, equating to 16.72m, are consciously trying to eat less meat, for reasons ranging from their health to the environmental impact of the agriculture industry. Furthermore, 36 per cent of meat-eaters, representing 18.97m Brits, are buying vegetarian and vegan specialist products and 26 per cent reported that trends like Veganuary and Sugar Awareness Week are shaping their shopping habit.
The research also revealed that Brits spend £25 per week on vegetarian and vegan products, totalling £1.3bn a year.
Will Broome, CEO of Ubamarket, commented: “Our research has shown that shoppers find it difficult to locate specialty items in-store, leading to frustration and confusion. The importance of having systems in place that grant freedom for shoppers to make their own dietary decisions has never been more apparent. With easier ways to identify important allergens and ingredients on labels, more convenient store layouts and a smoother shopping format, consumers will be able to subscribe to alternative diets with ease.”
