One in eight Britons is vegetarian or vegan, according to a report by UK supermarket chain Waitrose, while a further 21% identify as ‘flexitarian’ – people who consume a largely vegetable-based diet with the occasional portion of meat.
Taken in total – Waitrose’s research was carried out among shoppers of all supermarkets, not just its own – the figures mean that a third of UK consumers have reduced the amount of meat they eat or cut it out entirely.
Its report suggests that animal welfare, environmental and health concerns are behind the shift in dietary attitudes. Recent, well-publicised research from various organisations has suggested that avoiding meat and dairy products is the best way for consumers to reduce their environmental impact because of the link between farming animals and CO2 emissions.
In 2018, Waitrose became the first UK supermarket to install dedicated vegan sections in stores.
Photo: Actress Pamela Anderson campaigning with Peta to promote vegan food.
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One in eight Britons is vegetarian or vegan, according to a report by UK supermarket chain Waitrose, while a further 21% identify as ‘flexitarian’ – people who consume a largely vegetable-based diet with the occasional portion of meat.
Taken in total – Waitrose’s research was carried out among shoppers of all supermarkets, not just its own – the figures mean that a third of UK consumers have reduced the amount of meat they eat or cut it out entirely.
Its report suggests that animal welfare, environmental and health concerns are behind the shift in dietary attitudes. Recent, well-publicised research from various organisations has suggested that avoiding meat and dairy products is the best way for consumers to reduce their environmental impact because of the link between farming animals and CO2 emissions.
In 2018, Waitrose became the first UK supermarket to install dedicated vegan sections in stores.
Photo: Actress Pamela Anderson campaigning with Peta to promote vegan food.