{"id":140388,"date":"2024-10-07T17:47:49","date_gmt":"2024-10-07T16:47:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.vegconom.de\/usa\/?p=140388"},"modified":"2024-10-07T17:47:49","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T16:47:49","slug":"meat-fish-remain-staple-most-us-consumers-14-gen-z-embracing-plant-based","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.vegconom.de\/usa\/market-and-trends\/meat-fish-remain-staple-most-us-consumers-14-gen-z-embracing-plant-based\/","title":{"rendered":"While Meat and Fish Remain a Staple for Most US Consumers, 14% of Gen Z Embrace Plant-Based"},"content":{"rendered":"

Despite growing interest in plant-based diets, meat and fish continue to dominate the plates of US consumers, according to recent data. A new Statista Consumer Insights survey<\/a> found that 14% of US adults born between 1995 and 2012 identify as either vegan or vegetarian. <\/span><\/p>\n

The proportion of people following a plant-based diet declines with age. Among those born between 1965 and 1979, 3% report being vegetarian and 2% vegan, while only 2% of Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) say they are vegetarian, and just 1% identify as vegan.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flexitarian \/ reducetarian diet gaining traction<\/h2>\n

Although the number of strict vegans and vegetarians is relatively low, a growing number of Americans are opting for a more flexible approach to reducing meat consumption, with 7% to 15% of survey respondents across different generations identifying as flexitarian.<\/span><\/p>\n

This indicates that while many consumers are open to reducing their consumption of animal products, fully transitioning to plant-based diets is still relatively uncommon. In response, numerous companies<\/a> are adjusting their strategies, exploring the potential of options like blended meat products<\/a>, which combine both plant-based and animal-based ingredients. A recent report<\/a> revealed that 74% of US consumers express interest in these blended products.<\/p>\n

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\u00a9 Statista<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Plant-based becoming intertwined with politics<\/h2>\n

While flexitarianism is on the rise, plant-based meat alternatives account for only a small portion of the U.S. meat market. In 2021, meat substitutes generated $1.3 billion in sales, a fraction of the $160 billion in sales for fresh and processed meat, according to further insights from Statista<\/a>. Despite formula innovations<\/a> from companies like Beyond Meat<\/a>, data shows that the market for these alternatives has struggled to gain significant traction beyond its initial surge.<\/span><\/p>\n

Several factors cited in the report may explain why meat and fish remain central to US diets. One reason is the cost difference between conventional meat and plant-based alternatives, with many consumers opting for cheaper, traditional meat options during periods of economic uncertainty. Additionally, plant-based meats have become intertwined with cultural and political debates, where some consumers view them as aligned with specific ideological stances, positioning them as a perceived alternative to “real” meat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Concerns over the level of processing involved in creating plant-based meat alternatives have also dampened enthusiasm for these products. Critics have labeled many of these items as “ultra-processed,” raising questions about their nutritional value. However, food scientist and author Anthony Warner suggests<\/a> that these concerns are often overstated, emphasizing that food processing plays a vital role in feeding modern societies. Warner argues that a more balanced understanding of processing is necessary, rather than categorizing all processed foods as unhealthy.<\/p>\n

\"Ultra
\u00a9MAWLOUD-stock.adobe.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Meat remains dominant, but plant-based growth expected<\/b><\/h2>\n

While plant-based products are experiencing some growth<\/a>, they remain a niche market in the US when compared to markets such as Europe. In 2023, plant-based meat substitutes accounted for $1.4 billion in sales, compared to nearly $124 billion for fresh and processed meat. Meat and fish continue to be staple protein sources for most US consumers, with little indication of a widespread shift away from these foods in the immediate future.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, despite their current small market share, projections from market research firm Arizton<\/a> suggest that the plant-based meat market will continue to expand. The US plant-based meat sector is expected to grow to $5.25 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.18%. Pea protein-based products are forecasted to see the highest growth rates within the plant-based category.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Despite growing interest in plant-based diets, meat and fish continue to dominate the plates of US consumers, according to recent data. A new Statista Consumer Insights survey found that 14% of US adults born between 1995 and 2012 identify as either vegan or vegetarian. The proportion of people following a plant-based diet declines with age. Among those born between 1965 and 1979, 3% report being vegetarian and 2% vegan, while only 2% of Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) say they are vegetarian, and just 1% identify as vegan. Flexitarian \/ reducetarian diet gaining traction Although the number of strict vegans and vegetarians is relatively low, a growing number of Americans are opting for a more flexible approach to reducing meat consumption, with 7% to 15% of … <\/p>\n

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