IFIC Spotlight Survey: Consumption Trends, Preferred Names & Perceptions Of Plant-Based Meat Alternatives
November 3, 2021
Research Type
You’ve likely heard a friend, family member or coworker talk about trying plant-based meat alternatives for the first time, or maybe you’ve noticed these products on the menu of your favorite restaurant or fast-food chain. Perhaps you’ve seen a growing suite of plant-based options at your grocery store. But just how many people are consuming these products, and how often are they doing so? With the growing interest in and consumption of plant-based meat alternatives, what are our preferences for what to call these newer products? We asked over 1,000 Americans with at least some role in food shopping and decision-making to find out.
The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online research survey with consumers based in the US to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about plant-based meat alternatives. One thousand adults aged 18+ years completed the survey from August 26-30, 2021, and responses were weighted to ensure proportional results.
Key findings include”
- Most Americans have consumed plant-based meat alternatives in the past year, with two in 5 eating them daily or weekly.
- Healthfulness and being a source of high-quality protein are top reasons for seeking out plant-based alternatives.
- Knowledge of ingredients in a plant-based meat alternative can change what Americans prefer to call it.