More U.S. consumers are turning to plant-forward diets: Packaged Facts

Beginning in 2020 and continuing through 2022, the Coronavirus pandemic has had a significant effect on consumer habits. A Packaged Facts’ May 2022 online consumer survey indicated 30 per cent of U.S. consumers were still eating more fresh produce than they did pre-pandemic.

Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, increasing concerns about health, animal welfare, and the environment have led more consumers to turn to plant-forward diets.

The pandemic has expanded interest in healthy eating and lifestyles, and in turn led to growing awareness of plant-based eating. Additionally, inflation and supply issues causing high meat and dairy prices make flexitarian or semi-vegetarian diets more appealing.

According to Packaged Facts’ new report, Vegan, Vegetarian, and Flexitarian Consumers, some consumers are abstaining from animal products by going vegan or vegetarian, but many more are simply reducing consumption of animal products with a flexitarian or semi-vegetarian diet.

For more information, see the report.