Over a third of Brits want to switch to a plant-based diet next year, although 38% think they’ll fail within the first two weeks of January.
A survey commissioned by plant-based cheese brand Nurishh has revealed people’s attitudes towards trying to go plant-based in the New Year.
In the survey of 2,000 British adults, around a third responded that they wanted to switch to a plant-based diet for 2022.
However, 38% think that they will fail within the first two weeks of January.
Saving the planet was cited as the biggest incentive for ditching meat, while more than half of respondents think it’s a healthier way of eating.
Around 30% want to try plant-based just to try something new, while just over 25% believe that going vegan is a trend that will boost their social profile.
The survey also revealed that around two-thirds of people have already tried a plant-based diet before, with 63% claiming it’s something they attempt at the start of every year.
It takes 32% of those polled just a week to fail at the first hurdle, while 21% have managed one whole month before giving up.
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Why do people give up?
The taste of foods was found to be the biggest barrier to sticking with the change, while 56% would miss their favourite dishes too much.
Fish and chips, a full English breakfast, macaroni cheese, and pizza topped the table of the dishes Brits would miss most.
The cost of plant-based products was also found to be a reason for quitting, as 42% of responders found it too expensive to carry on
As many as a third admit to giving in to temptation too easily with reasons being lack of willpower (72%), getting bored too quickly (47%) and the fear of missing out (43%).
Deborah Blaser from Nurishh says: “These survey results reveal a growing trend in our society.
“The premise behind our range is to cater for the one in three that want to go plant-based but don’t want to compromise on taste.
“Plant-based category sales have doubled in the last five years, yet products that stack up in taste and support flexitarian-curious Brits planning to make the switch are in small numbers.
“We hope Nurishh will make it easier for people who want to really try and stick at their new year’s resolution.”
Almost half of the people surveyed admitted that they were likely to pretend to still be eating plant-based even after giving in to temptation.
Meanwhile, a fifth of respondents had lied in the past about sticking to something even though they secretly gave it up already.
Trends in plant-based eating
A separate study by Nestlé Professional has shown that even among those who don’t plan to go fully plant-based, Brits are likely to eat more meat- and dairy-free foods in the coming months.
Their research found that 22% of UK consumers plan to eat more plant-based meat, and 19% plan to eat more plant-based dairy in early 2022.
And it’s not all about the meat and dairy alternatives. 39% of those surveyed plan to eat more vegetables, while 24% want to increase their consumption of legumes.
Many consumers were shown to be conscious about choosing sustainable foods.
78% equated sustainable food choices with their own personal health and wellbeing. Meanwhile, 71% say they would choose sustainable options where available.
When eating out 58% would opt for plant-based or vegetarian options ‘sometimes’, ‘often’ or ‘always’.
30% would eat plant-based more often if dishes with improved flavour/texture were available in restaurants.
25% would like extra encouragement to try plant-based food like free samples or tasting events.
Want to get ahead of Veganuary 2022? Check out our 31-day guide to going vegan.
