5 Stats That Show Plant Protein is the Future

August 11, 2020

Plant-based eating is undoubtedly rising in popularity, but where is this shift coming from in the mind of the average consumer? A new survey by Mattson, a San Francisco-based product development consulting company, reveals some valuable data about US vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians.

#1 More people are eating less animal products

Vegans and vegetarians represent only a segment of those who are choosing to consume more plant-based products. In 2018, 16% of consumers said that they were trying to eat less meat and dairy. In 2020, this number rose to 20%.

#2 Environmental concerns are rising

Of consumers that choose to eat more plant-based foods, 48% list environmental concerns as one of their top 3 reasons (up from 31% in 2018). By contrast, those who listed health benefits dropped from 82% in 2018 to 65% in 2020.

#3 Younger generations care about the environment

Millennials and Gen Z were more likely to list environmental concerns as reasons to eat plant-based, whereas Baby Boomers and Gen X were more likely to list health reasons.

#4 Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are considered the best protein sources

Beans took the #1 spot when consumers were asked what they consider to be the best plant protein source, followed by two other pulses: lentils and chickpeas. These low-cost protein options make it easy for consumers to eat plant-based on a budget.

#5 People are embracing plant-based meat

37% of consumers said that they were eating more plant-based meat products, like the Beyond Burger, at home in 2020 — up from 27% in 2018. Hooray for tasty vegan comfort food!

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