Some 7% of consumers identify themselves as vegetarian; however, 36% indicate the use of meat alternatives.
August 12/Chicago/Press Release -- Only a few years ago, tofu, tempeh and seitan were barely known in the culinary world. Now, they are on grocery store shelves across America and being cooked up in the average (and often non-vegetarian) kitchen. In new research from Mintel, only 7% of consumers identify themselves as vegetarian; however, 36% indicate the use of meat alternatives. Less than half of consumers who use meat alternatives are using the products in place of real meat, and 16% indicate using the products alongside meat offerings.
“This data suggests that participation in the alternative meat category stretches far beyond necessity, and creates an opportunity for future growth based on the products’ ability to meet general consumer food interests, such as health, price, variety and convenience,” says Beth Bloom, food and drink analyst at Mintel. “The bottom line is that vegetarians and vegans aren’t the only people eating “fake” meat, meat eaters are also exploring this new found protein superpower.”