While plant-based diets may have started as a trend, a recent report from the University of Guelph and Dalhousie University shows that vegan and vegetarian diets are here to stay. According to Canada’s 2019 Food Price Report, an increasing number of Canadians are looking to substitute meat consumption with plant-based proteins. In fact, the report suggests that over 3 million Canadians were eliminating meat from their diets.
The numbers are significant, showing that there is an overwhelming interest in meat and dairy alternatives. According to the report, consumers are gaining interest in seafood, quinoa, pulse crops (chickpeas, lentils, beans and peas), and even insects over well-known animal proteins such as pork, chicken and beef.
What is even more interesting is that 63% of vegans and vegetarians in Canada are younger than 38 years of age. Millennials appear to be the driving force behind the plant-based movement, as the study showed that younger and more educated respondents were less likely to consume meat.
With the growing interest in vegan and vegetarian diets, popular fast-food chains are now offering plant-based options on their menu. In Canada, Tim Hortons as well as A&W now offer plant-based meat substitutes as an alternative to the regular breakfast sandwiches and burgers.
As the plant-based movement continues to take over restaurants and retail stores, we may start to see a stronger interest for plant-based substitutes for meat and cheeses on pizzas. To address the growing number of millennials that are interested in vegan and vegetarian diets, pizzerias may consider starting a pilot program to test the popularity of these items. After all, the 2019 Canadian Centre of the Plate Consumer Trend Report suggests that “35% of chicken consumers prefer to order something more exciting when dining out because they tend to eat chicken at home”.
Have you adopted a plant-based diet or reduced meat consumption? Do you see this becoming a stronger trend in the pizza industry? Leave us a comment and let us know!
Sources:
https://www.canadianpizzamag.com/trends/alternative-proteins-competing-with-red-meat-new-study-7880
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