Acosta, a global integrated sales and marketing services provider, released its latest research report, “Plant-Based Eating: Trend or Fad?”
The report explores consumers’ increased interest in purchasing plant-based meat and dairy alternatives. According to Acosta’s research, 40 percent of today’s shoppers buy alternative meat and/or dairy products, citing health as their key motivating factor.
“Consumers’ focus on healthy living increased significantly since the onset of COVID-19,” said Kathy Risch, SVP of business intelligence at Acosta. “Larger conversations about the importance of health and wellness have alerted many consumers to the potential long-term benefits of meat and dairy alternatives and product sales are rising as a result.
“The Plant Based Foods Association reported $7 billion dollars in sales in 2021, a 27 percent increase from 2019. We expect to see steady growth in this category through the next decade, as consumer awareness continues to expand.”
Acosta’s research provides in-depth insight surrounding consumers’ increased interest in plant-based products.
Plant-Based Shopping Habits
- Forty percent of consumers surveyed in March 2022 purchased plant-based meat and/or dairy products within the last six months, with 60 percent of those surveyed purchasing these products several times a month.
- Seventy-seven percent surveyed buy alternative foods at traditional grocery stores.
- Twenty percent surveyed buy plant-based foods online.
- Consumers typically buy plant-based meat and dairy alternatives to replace beef, pork and traditional milk.
Product Loyalty
- Sixty-four percent of buyers purchase within this category at least several times a month.
- Fifty-seven percent say they intend to consume plant-based alternatives throughout their lives.
- Nearly 20 percent say they follow a fully plant-based lifestyle.
Lingering Hesitancy
- While 50 percent of buyers claim it is important for restaurants to offer plant-based options, only about 20 percent usually buy these alternatives when eating out.
- About 33 percent of all U.S. shoppers claim to perceive alternative foods as a fad, despite growing interest and demand.
Acosta’s “Plant-Based Eating: Trend or Fad?” report was gathered via online surveys using the company’s proprietary Shopper Community, conducted in March 2022.
To view the full report from Acosta, click here.
