A report by Myvegan has found that almost a fifth (19%) of Brits are eating more plant-based foods to reduce their grocery bills.
4% have adopted an entirely meat-free lifestyle as a result of rising costs, while 6% have cut out all meat except fish. Vegans and pescetarians were found to spend the least on food per month, both averaging around £203 compared to £238.29 for omnivores.
However, sustainable shopping habits have taken a hit due to the rising cost of living, with 49% of respondents saying they are now finding it harder to shop sustainably. Vegans were the most likely to take notice of factors such as brand ethics and eco-friendly packaging, and were also significantly more likely to buy organic food and shop outside of major supermarkets. Despite this, a huge 98% of vegans said they had made changes to the way they buy groceries to save money, compared to 83% of omnivores.
Plant-based in the UK
Earlier this year, a report found that half of British people would be vegetarian or vegan by 2040. 51% of Brits already say they would be willing to replace some of the meat in their diets with plant-based alternatives, while 25% would like to eat more plant-based lunches. Meanwhile, a third of UK consumers already choose plant milks over cow’s milk.
“It’s clear the UK’s grocery buying habits are being significantly affected by the rise in living costs,” said Myvegan. “The research is clear: buying less meat and incorporating more plant-based meals into your weekly rota may also help to cut your grocery bill.”
