Eating Green: How Plant-Based Demand is Reshaping Our Plates🥬

Did you know…

In today’s world, the demand for plant-based meals is growing swiftly, due to people wanting to be sustainable and healthier. Restaurants are increasing their variety of plant-based and vegan meals on their menus to meet these demands, and shops are offering wider ranges of meat alternative products.

6.4% of the UK’s adults (estimated 3.4 million people), plan to follow a vegan diet throughout 2025. As well as this, 11% (estimated 6.1 million) are intending to follow a vegetarian diet for the year. Majority of these numbers are made up from the younger generation, it is a growing trend among Gen Z to eat a vegan or plant-based diet, whereas its uncommon in the older generations. For example, meat consumption among Gen Z stands at only 50%, while a significant 89.7% of Baby Boomers still eat meat.

Common myths amongst plant-based diets.…

There are many myths around plant-based diets, and even though they have been proved wrong, sometimes they are still believed! Here are a few examples…

“Plant-based diets aren’t suitable for children” - Yes they are! The essential proteins and nutrients required for a child to grow healthy, can be found in natural plant-based foods such as vegetables and whole grains, as well as in alternative meat and dairy products.

“Plant-based eating is expensive” – They don’t have to be, a plant-based diet can actually be cheaper than a typical meat heavy diet. Especially if your diet mostly consists of unprocessed plant protein foods such as beans, seeds etc.

“It’s too hard and time consuming” – Nope, there are many ways to keep meal prep simple! For example, you can make a big pot of beans and then use them in burritos, to top of salads, or to add into a casserole!

Here is an easy recipe idea for a Plant-Based Poke Bowl that you can try at home:

Plant based Kitchen essentials…

Legumes, Wholegrains, Nuts & Seeds, Plant-Based Milk and Dairy Substitutes, Fresh & Frozen Vegetables

These necessities will provide you with a wide range of nutrients, minerals, proteins, antioxidants, and fibres. By having these in your kitchen, you can prepare a variety of meals that cater for a range of dietary preferences and needs. Plant proteins are increasingly being used not just for their nutritional value but also for their natural gelling properties, and all the above are packed with great plant proteins!

Ultimately, having a plant-based diet provides you with numerous benefits, by prioritising these products you can improve your health massively and help the environment! The growing trend of having a vegan or plant-based diet is likely to continue, will you be joining the trend?

Imogen Tincknell
Marketing Apprentice