Plant-Based Meat Substitutes on the Rise
About 65% of Americans are eating more meat alternatives.
About 65% of Americans reported eating plant-based meat substitutes or “products that attempt to mimic the flavor and texture of animal protein but are made with only plant products” in the previous year, according to the 2021 Food and Health Survey conducted by the International Food Information Council.
Of this, 20% consumed plant-based burgers and their ilk weekly and slightly more (22%) said that they ate them daily.
When asked about reasons for choosing these plant-based meat substitutes, healthfulness led the pack among respondents. Being a source of high-quality protein and liking the taste rounded out the top choices.
Food consumption patterns were gleaned from 1,001 American adults with at least some role in food shopping and meal decision-making and proportional representation of the population was assured by the investigators.
See also: Alternatives for Red Meat
Matthew Kadey, MS, RD
Matthew Kadey, MS, RD, is a James Beard Award–winning food journalist, dietitian and author of the cookbook Rocket Fuel: Power-Packed Food for Sport + Adventure (VeloPress 2016). He has written for dozens of magazines, including Runner’s World, Men’s Health, Shape, Men’s Fitness and Muscle and Fitness.
