Veganism On the Rise During Coronavirus Pandemic in the UK

Research has discovered that the ongoing Covid-19 health crisis the world is suffering from could be increasing the number of people converting to a vegan lifestyle.

According to Mintel, a record number of Brits have been showing greater interest in the dietary choice.

In the report, 12% of Brits polled said a vegan diet was more attractive following the pandemic. With 22% of Londoners and 25% of British Millennials responding similarly.

How Many Brits Are Trying Vegan-Friendly Options Since the Pandemic?

The predictions that Mintel have made are substantiated by similar data reported by Flora, who have noted that the number of Brits who changed how and what they ate because of Covid-19 could be in the millions.

In a poll by the brand of 2,000 British adults, 17% stated they were now eating less animal protein and meat, while 30% stated they had added more fruit and veg to their diet, and a further 12% said they had been opting for more plant-based food choices.

Breaking the numbers right down to the 1 in 8 who said they were eating more plant-based foods, half said that they were now buying dairy-free milk, while 35% bought margarine instead of butter and 54% chose alternatives to meat.

The interesting part was when they were asked their reasons for making the changes.

37% were looking to have a more sustainable lifestyle, 27% wanted to save money, whereas more than HALF wanted to improve their health

Brits Consuming Less Animal Protein and Meat Since Coronavirus

The Vegan Society has noted that Brits have been changing what they eat and cutting down on the amount of meat they have been consuming throughout the outbreak.

A survey found that 1 in 5, that’s over 13 million made dramatic changes.

It wasn’t just meat that the respondents cut down on, with 15% stating they had greatly decreased the number of eggs and dairy they intake during lockdown.

The Society suggested that this was evidence that buying habits were being changed for the better based on the pressures both supermarkets and consumers were facing.

What’s the Motivation For Going Eating Less Meat During Coronavirus?

What is motivating the above changes? 41% suggested they reduced the amount of dairy or meat because they were unable to get the product they preferred at the supermarket.

However, 43% did say that their reason for reducing meat consumption was due to either animal rights, their concerns for the environment or their health and wellbeing.

Around 50% of the people who chose to spend on meat alternatives like vegan sausages and burgers, noted they would keep buying them once lockdown had ended.

With regards to dairy alternatives, 42% and 54% who chose almond or soy milk respectively, noted that they would likely switch to these options even after lockdown.

Why People Are Going Vegan – An Ongoing Trend of Compassion?

It is thought that because of the outbreak people are genuinely interested in changing the world and are keen to show some degree of compassion where they can.

When they are at a loss of what they can do to make any impactful changes on the world around them, eliminating animal meat, protein and other by-products may appear to be a great way of improving their nutrient intake while showing compassion for the natural world and fighting the other ongoing issue of climate change.

Mintel noted an increase in the interest of veganism even before Coronavirus across all markets.

However, there may be evidence that pandemic increased the trend. Take China for instance, where there was a definite increase in the sales of Pizza Hut and KFC’s vegan-friendly menu.

Vegans Unsurprised

The Vegan Society, represented by Matt Turner, does not find it very surprising at all, thanks to how popular Veguanuary was this year and the multitude of new vegan-friendly products available over the last few months.

It may be that it is due to concern for animal welfare and rights, the environment and climate change, cost or convenience.

Either way, Brits, and the world seem to be thinking outside their normal box and choosing alternatives.

What’s more, because they are finding them agreeable and enjoying them, they are continuing to buy them even beyond what could be loosely referred to as a “novelty period”.

Keep an eye out after the pandemic to see whether this trend continues.

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