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New research from DuPont Nutrition & Health finds that there is a “seismic shift occurring in eating habits globally,” with more people than ever choosing plant-based options for health and social reasons.
Conducted with HealthFocus International, the study adds to a “growing body of insight-driven studies that can help today’s food and beverage companies with predictive and forward-thinking analysis.” Indeed, the findings highlight the significant market opportunity of plant-based alternatives.
The companies focused on the eating habits of more than 1,000 U.S. consumers and found that more than half—52 percent—eat more plant-based alternatives. Globally, that number rises to 65 percent.
What’s even better? Almost 60 percent of respondents said the switch to plant-based foods was permanent and driven primarily by taste. Some study participants reported that vegan eating had made them feel healthier.
Greg Paul, DuPont’s marketing leader for the beverage industry, stated:
There is a seismic shift occurring in eating habits globally, creating a significant market opportunity. Most important, our research reveals that for most consumers, this has moved beyond experimentation into a permanent change brought on by health, lifestyle and social factors.
In fact, retail data collected by Nielsen and the Plant Based Foods Association reveals that plant-based food sales overall, including sales of meat, dairy, and egg alternatives, rose 20 percent over the past year to more than $3.3 billion. The researchers say this shows that plant-based proteins are becoming a staple for the general population.
The demand for vegan products worldwide is already skyrocketing. Between 2014 and 2016, the number of new vegan food products rose by an astonishing 92 percent in Australia. And the research firm GlobalData reports that there were six times as many vegans in America in 2017 as in 2014.
This is all great news for the billions of animals who suffer at factory farms each year. Cows, pigs, chickens, and fish raised and killed for food are subjected to unthinkable cruelties: tiny, filthy cages; horrific mutilations; torturous transport; and violent slaughter.