55% Of Brits Have Eaten More Vegan Alternatives Since Lockdown, Says Survey

A massive 55 percent of Brits have increased the number of vegan alternatives in their diet since the first COVID-19 lockdown, according to a poll.

The survey, by vegan cheese Mexicana, also found out that 22 percent of people polled had tried plant-based alternatives to meat, fish, and dairy products for the first time since the first lockdown in March last year.

This broke down into some 16 percent replacing meat with alternatives. Around 20 percent tried dairy-free alternatives to replace cheese. And 23 percent using vegan alternatives to replace other dairy products like butter, milk, and yogurt.

Vegan cheese

In a statement sent to Plant Based News, Lisa Harrison, senior brand manager for Mexicana® Vegan and Mexicana® Vegan Slices, said: “The outcome of our poll reflects the increase we have seen in the demand for our plant-based alternatives.”

The brand launched its Mexicana® Vegan block cheeze last year. It says it ‘proved so popular with vegans, vegetarians and flexitarian’ that it has launched a sliced version in Sainsbury’s and Waitrose this month. 

Vegan alternatives

Harrison added: “The COVID-19 situation has really focused the population’s attention on the importance of healthy eating and how consuming plant-based alternatives can be really good for people’s health as well as the planet. 

“We know the demand is there for healthy, convenient food as more of the population works from home and has the majority of their meals at home.”

Applewood

Jo Heywood, prepacked cheese buyer at Waitrose, added: “We have seen the demand for plant-based alternatives to dairy products increase remarkably over the last year. Our sales of Applewood Vegan from Norseland’s plant-based portfolio have proved strong so we know that our customers like vegan alternatives from established brands. 

“And when we were approached about listing Mexicana® Vegan Slices, we thought that it would be a great addition to our dairy alternatives range.”

“We are optimistic that Mexicana Vegan Slices will prove popular with Waitrose customers.”