Market research company Packaged Facts reports that, among a number of consumer habits lastingly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, plant-based eating is still on the rise, with 30% of consumers reporting to the company that they were still eating more fresh produce than they did pre-pandemic.
 
Even prior to the outbreak of the virus, 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, according to the company. 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.
 
The Packaged Facts report analyzes the dynamics of the current landscape of plant-based and plant-forward diets and eating philosophies. Demographics, preferences, and psychographics of vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians, and flexitarians are examined alongside those of omnivores. Trends include consumer usage of plant-based alternative products, reasons for diet and lifestyle choices, retail and restaurant trends, and the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on consumers are also investigated.
 
The reasons for, and implications of, shifts in consumer perception are analyzed in the context of present and future market opportunities .
 
The report features relevant outlooks for foods relevant to plant-based eating, including:
 
– the size of the plant-based food market (plant-based meals and alternatives to meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, and eggs) in 2021
– historical numbers and forecasts for consumption and production of fresh produce in dollars and pounds
– discussion of per capita meat consumption
– historical numbers and forecasts for dairy, meat, poultry, and seafood shipments in dollars and inflation-adjusted dollars
 
Additionally, the report has dozens of tables showcasing numerical survey data on consumer demographics and psychographics and numerous marketing photographs. This report goes in-depth on COVID-19 trends affecting the food and beverage market. Particular attention is dedicated to the market impact of e-commerce and the coronavirus pandemic.