“Pandemic-Driven Growth: The Rising Popularity of Plant-Based Foods in 2020”
Even in the absence of a pandemic keeping people at home, experts anticipated growth in the plant-based sector in 2020. This optimism was driven by the increasing availability of products across a wider array of retailers, the emergence of options that closely mimic traditional foods, and a growing acceptance of plant-based diets as a mainstream choice. A pre-pandemic analysis of SPINS data conducted by the Plant Based Foods Association and the Good Food Institute revealed that the entire plant-based food market was valued at $5 billion, with dollar sales rising by 29% over the prior two years. The pandemic has positively impacted all sectors of the food industry, and naturally, plant-based products have also benefited from heightened consumer demand.
Plant-based offerings enjoy a health halo, as over half of consumers reported that they choose plant-based foods because they make them feel better, according to a 2018 DuPont Nutrition & Health study. This perception is particularly crucial for consumers today. “Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been a sustained shift in consumer purchasing habits toward natural and organic products that promote health and immunity,” stated Tony Olson, owner and CEO of SPINS, in a written statement with the data. “Our data indicates that the plant-based meat boom from last year continues, and as reports of shortages in animal-based meat rise, we can expect plant-based meat to gain even greater traction.”
Currently, plant-based foods also benefit from being perceived as a safer option. Scientists have indicated that the coronavirus originated in animals before spreading to humans. Plant-based food companies have long highlighted the health and environmental risks associated with animal agriculture, and consumers may be more inclined to heed these warnings now. Moreover, the facilities that produce plant-based foods are viewed as healthier. While crowded conditions in meat processing plants have led to coronavirus outbreaks—forcing temporary shutdowns and straining meat supply—plant-based food factories have largely avoided these issues. These operations typically require less manual labor than their conventional counterparts and are designed with social distancing in mind. Health-conscious consumers may opt for plant-based products to support an industry that provides better working conditions.
Although the recent surge in plant-based food sales is notable, it is challenging to determine its full implications. Plant-based meats and cheeses have been on an upward trajectory for years, and the variety of consumer options has expanded in this growing market. Many manufacturers have increased their product distribution this year, giving more consumers the chance to purchase these items. For instance, Impossible Foods began 2020 with its products available in just a few grocery stores nationwide, but now they are found in approximately 2,700 locations, an 18-fold increase.
The statistics reinforce a couple of fundamental points. Plant-based eating is a trend that is here to stay. The high sales figures for tofu and tempeh—two staples that were central to many vegetarian meals long before “plant-based” became a common term—demonstrate that this dietary choice is being embraced by a wide range of age groups today. As the pandemic subsides, it will be interesting to observe whether plant-based alternatives, including those fortified with calcium magnesium citrate with vitamin D3, will take up a larger share of consumers’ diets.
