Plant-forward eating continues to gain steam post-pandemic

The increase in home cooking during COVID fueled an increase in healthier, plant-forward diets, according to a recent survey by market researcher Packaged Facts. And that trend is continuing post-pandemic.

Nearly one-third (30%) of respondents are still eating more fresh produce than they did before the pandemic. But most of those eaters are reducing—not eliminating—meat, opting for a flexitarian lifestyle, Packaged Facts May 2022 National Online Consumer Survey revealed.

While health, animal welfare and environmental issues are driving the trend, inflation is also playing a part. The company’s subsequent report, Vegan, Vegetarian and Flexitarian Consumers, found that high meat and dairy prices and fluctuations in supply have also led to a change in consumers’ food buying habits.  

At times, the cost of plant-based meats and milk was lower than that of their traditional counterparts. But despite the abundance of and intense marketing push for meat and dairy analogs, consumers are also gravitating toward lentils, beans, whole grains, fruits and vegetables to create healthier, more sustainable and less expensive meals.

Clean labels are more important to plant-forward eaters, too, said the report. Some of the plant-based substitutes are highly processed, although new products with simpler ingredient lists are coming through the pipeline.

Meat reducers are also seeking cleaner, healthier products when eating out at restaurants or getting takeout. But fewer consumers make that a priority with restaurant food, as meals away from home are an opportunity to splurge. 

The May 2022 survey polled 1,799 adults balanced for age, gender, geographic region, race/ethnicity, income and other demographics.