UK Shoppers Spend £500m More on Meat as Vegan Market Declines
UK consumers increased their spending on meat by £500 million year on year, as buying habits continue to shift away from meat-free alternatives, according to analysis reported by The Telegraph. Beef led the growth, with sales up £418 million, while poultry spending rose by a further £219 million, underlining renewed demand for traditional protein sources.
The report links the change in purchasing behaviour to health and nutrition trends, including increased focus on protein intake and the growing influence of weight-loss medications, which are altering consumer diets. At the same time, demand for meat-free products has weakened, with sales of plant-based alternatives falling by £23.2 million, amid concerns over ultra-processed foods.
Source article:
The Telegraph – “Shoppers spend £500m more on meat as vegan boom fades” | 13 December 2025