Globally, the landscape of food preferences is changing. Plant-based meat alternatives are gaining traction in many parts of world.
Statista Consumer insights conducted a recent macro-survey that highlights this trend. The United Kingdom and China were at the forefront.
These countries, as environmental concerns and health awareness grow, are leading the revolution in food consumption by focusing on sustainability and ethical choices.
UK, China and South Africa: Champions in the meat alternative industry
According to the survey the United Kingdom is the country with the largest percentage of consumers who regularly eat meat substitutes. 18% of the population chooses plant-based alternatives.
The trend is driven primarily by an increasing awareness of the environment and a preference for diets that are sustainable.
The UK’s leading position in this field reflects a wider societal shift toward more ethical and environmentally-friendly food choices.
China and South Africa, where 17% and 15% of their respective populations are meat substitutes, aren’t far behind.
This trend is especially noticeable in China due to the traditional meat-heavy diet of the country, particularly pork.
Concerns about animal welfare and sustainability of the environment, as well as health are driving this shift.
Source: Statista
Italy and India: blending tradition with modernity
Italy and India are known for their rich culinary tradition. Both countries have a high adoption rate of meat alternatives, with 15 percent of the population switching in each.
Both countries have a long history of vegetarianism, and place a high emphasis on diets based on plants.
This growing acceptance of meat alternatives in these regions is a harmonious combination of traditional cuisine and contemporary dietary choices, demonstrating how even countries with deeply rooted food cultures can be open to change.
Latin America: A gradual change
Brazil leads the pack with 14% of the population eating meat alternatives.
Brazil is one of the largest producers of meat in the world, but its shift to plant-based foods reflects an increasing awareness of the health benefits of a more sustainable and healthier eating habit.
Other countries in the area are slow to adopt these alternative solutions.
Argentina, Spain and the United States report an adoption rate of 12%, which indicates a cautious, but growing interest in diversifying diets.
Mexico is behind with 11% of the population eating meat substitutes. This suggests a gradual change in eating habits.
Japan’s tradition is strong
Japan is a special case. Only 5% of the population consumes meat substitutes.
This low adoption rate is due to Japan’s traditional dependence on fish as its primary source of protein.
Consumers’ behavior has been influenced by the cultural preference for meat over seafood, which results in a more conservative attitude towards plant-based alternatives.
The experience of Japan shows how deeply ingrained culture can be in the acceptance and use of new food trends.
Traditional meat consumption is strong
While meat substitutes are on the rise, the traditional meat consumption is still strong around the world.
Statista Consumer insights conducted a survey between April 2023 – March 2024. The results show that Japan is the leader in meat consumption with 95% of respondents saying they consume meat on a regular basis.
Argentina is next at 94%. Meat, and especially barbecue, are a key part of the culinary identity in this country.
Spain, Brazil and Mexico all have high meat consumption rates at 92%. South Africa, Italy and South Africa also have high rates of meat consumption, each at 89% and 90%.
The United States, and the United Kingdom have slightly lower rates but are still very significant at 86% and 85%.
China’s meat-centric eating habits are reflected in the fact that 85% of respondents continue to consume meat on a regular basis.
India is the only country where only 53% of respondents report regular meat consumption.
India is an outlier when it comes to global trends in meat consumption due to its lower rate. This is largely attributed religious and cultural practices which emphasize vegetarianism.
This survey reveals a global landscape that is complex.
In some areas, there has been a shift to plant-based foods. However, the traditional consumption of meat is still deeply embedded in other regions.
As the interest in sustainable, ethical and healthy food continues to grow, the trend towards meat substitutes is likely to continue. However the rate of change will differ significantly between cultures and regions.
For the moment, meat substitutes are a growing force, but they’re not yet dominating global eating habits.
This post Global meat alternative: China and UK lead the move towards plant-based dietary changes may be updated as new information becomes available
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