According to a recent study by leading market research firm
Mintel, more than half of all Canadians are consuming vegan meat
alternatives.
The study reveals that 53 percent of Canadians
eat plant-based meat, with 18 percent, or one in five, eating it a few times a
week.
What’s more, the study finds that 5 percent of
Canadians identify as vegetarian and 2 percent as vegan. And it notes that the
perception of meat is changing, with 21 percent of Canadians saying they think
“meat alternatives are healthier than meat.
As for the types of plant-based meat Canadians
enjoy, 34 percent of respondents say they mostly consume meatless burgers,
while 32 percent say they mostly eat vegan chicken. Nearly 25 percent report
trying vegan hot dogs, deli slices, and bacon.
Mintel’s associate director of food and drink,
Joel Gregoire, said:
Meat alternatives can be viewed as being the tip of the spear in terms of food innovation. While there’s no indication that Canadians will shun meat “en masse any time in the near future, consumers increasingly want more flexibility in their diet. Limiting meat consumption is one form of flexibility.
This isn’t the first study to show that
Canadians are choosing more plant-based foods. Last year, Google’s annual survey of top-trending searches in Canada
found the phrase “plant-based diet to be a leading search in the “Kitchen
category.
And Canadians aren’t alone in incorporating
more vegan products into their diets. They’re part of a global shift away from meat. Over
the past decade, veganism has seen consistent growth as millennials—the
world’s largest generation—purchase their own food. Concerned about
the environment, animal welfare, and their health, this generation boasts more
self-identifying vegetarians than any other, according to The New York
Times.
More people enjoying vegan food is great news
for the billions
of animals who suffer at factory farms. Cows, pigs, chickens, and
fish raised and killed for food are subjected to unthinkable cruelties: tiny,
filthy cages; horrific mutilations; and violent slaughter.
Sounds terrible, right? See for yourself.
Thankfully, with more and more delicious
vegan products hitting the market, there’s truly never been a better
time to switch to a compassionate vegan lifestyle.
Join the global movement against the
destructive and cruel meat industry. Click here
to get started. And check out our Pinterest
page for thousands of recipe ideas!