61% Of Spaniards ‘Regularly’ Have Meat-Free Days

Nearly two thirds (61 percent) of Spaniards regularly made a point to have meat-free days in 2017, according to research by Mintel.

The report – Summer Food and Drink Trends 2018 – forecasts consumer choices based on ‘new products hitting store shelves around the world, and observing the latest insights into consumer behaviour’.

It looks at how many people in a number of European countries have consciously chosen to enjoy meat-free days.

‘Popular in Europe’

According to the data, significant numbers of people in some European countries are choosing to ditch meat ‘regularly’. The stats show that almost half of people quizzed in France and Italy (45 percent) have meat-free days.

Looking at the reducetarian trend, the report says: “This trend is proving particularly popular in Europe. Various concerns have led to a majority of Germans and Poles, known for their meat-heavy diets, to make a point of regularly having meat-free days.

“Six out of 10 (57 percent) Germans and more than half (55 percent) of Poles regularly have meat-free days. And the story looks similar in other parts of the world: In the US, 33 percent of consumers plan to buy more plant-based food products in the next year, rising to 37 percent of Millennials. Over a third (34 percent) of meat consumers in Canada agree that they try to moderate how much meat they eat because of health concerns.”

Products

The report says the availability of an increasing number of innovative products is one of the factors driving the reducetarian movement, saying: “The selection, taste
and quality of vegan products
in the sector are reaching new
heights this year. 

“One example
is UK retailer Sainsbury’s, which
launched seven new plant-based
products in early 2018, including
BBQ pulled jackfruit, mushroom
mince and cauliflower burgers.

“Gone are the days of uninspired soy
burgers for the lone vegan or vegetarian
at the garden party. With an increase in
flavourful and speciality vegan products,
such as black bean chipotle, quinoa
crunch southwest or Asian spiced burgers,
expect to see plenty of well-seasoned and
savoury options that just might tempt the
flexitarian away from their sausages.”