Young British Adults Returning to Meat Consumption, Decline in Veganism Noted
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Science
February 11, 2025 12:49
london - Recent study reveals 19% increase in meat consumption among 18-24 age group in the UK, signaling a shift away from veganism.
Shift in Eating Habits Among Young British Adults
A recent study conducted by UK Eating Better indicates a 19% rise in meat consumption among individuals aged 18-24. The Daily Telegraph reports a gradual resurgence in meat consumption trends, with a decrease in interest towards initiatives like Veganuary. The shift is attributed to a diminishing sense of guilt associated with meat consumption and a waning popularity of vegetarianism.
Data from the meat substitute industry also reflects this trend, showing a 17% drop in sales of veggie burgers and a 21% decrease in frozen alternatives from 2022 to 2023. Hamish Renton, CEO of Food and Consultancy HRA Global, views this shift as the end of the 'vegan party,' indicating a transient nature of the vegan trend.
The impact extends to the vegan industry, with companies like Beyond Meat experiencing a drastic decline in stock value. Investors like Bill Gates and Kim Kardashian have witnessed a 98% drop in their investments. Additionally, Dutch company Vegetarische Slager is up for sale by Unilever after years of financial struggle.
Aside from a resurgence in meat consumption, dairy products are also regaining popularity among young consumers. Plant-based alternatives like vegan ice cream are reportedly failing to resonate with the market due to taste issues. Clive Black from a food investment firm attributes this shift to a return to common sense, noting the perceived inferior taste of many plant-based substitutes.
In the Netherlands, meat consumption saw a marginal increase in 2023, with a shift towards more affordable options like minced meat reported by animal welfare organization Wakker Dier. While meat consumption rose slightly, the popularity of meat substitutes rebounded after a decline in 2022, as indicated by sales data from Nielsen.
Statistics from the RIVM reveal that approximately 2% of the Dutch population follows a vegetarian diet, with 1% opting for pescatarianism and less than 1% adhering to a vegan lifestyle.