25% Of The U.S. Plan To Reduce Meat Consumption 2005

According to É’s 2005 survey, 41% of Americans find meatless substitutes and vegetarian products “too weird.” However, 44% of respondents now eat these items as part of a diet that includes meat, because they know that vegetarian foods are healthy for them.

41% of Americans say they still find meatless substitutes and vegetarian products “too weird,” although 44% now eat vegetarian foods as part of a daily diet that also includes meat, because healthy vegetarian food is for them. In fact, more than 6 out of 10 Americans are planning on eating more “natural” foods.

Based on this research, it seems that some stereotypes stereotypes of vegetarian food remain, but there is progress in that American consumers understand the benefits and are overcoming doubts about including vegetarian and other natural foods as part of a regular daily diet.

Specific Findings:

• At the beginning of 2005, Americans were turning away from fad diets and becoming more interested in natural and vegetarian foods.
• 62% planned to eat more natural foods in 2005.
• 44% like foods that are natural, nutritious and taste good, but they say that these foods are hard to find.
• 44% say the eat meat but occasionally eat vegetarian products because they know these products are good for them.
• 14% generally follow a vegetarian diet but occasionally eat fish or meat (i.e. flexitarianism).
• 25% are planning on reducing meat consumption in 2005. Of these people, 38% are doing so because they were on a high protein/low carbohydrate diet and want more balance in the upcoming year.
• 51% of consumers say they plan to make a healthy diet part of their lifestyle through the upcoming year.