According to a recent poll conducted by The Grocer, more than 4 in 10 young adults are worried about the impact meat consumption has on the planet, and many have begun reducing or eliminating animal products from their diet altogether. This number represents an ever-growing collective of consumers who are becoming more conscious about the systems, processes, and dangers behind everyday foods — especially the animal-based foods.
“When asked about the environmental impact of eating meat, 38% of consumers in the 18- to 24-year old age group said they were worried about its effect,” The Grocer reports. “And 4% said they were either vegetarian or vegan, found the poll of 2,036 UK adults.”
In contrast, older generations weren’t quite as concerned. Only 20 percent of people aged 55 or older said they were concerned about how eating meat affects the environment.
The concerns of consumers at any age are being addressed by companies all over the world that are investing in cleaner plant-based meats and the development of cellular agriculture and clean meat. Whether it’s the popular Beyond Burger, Aldi’s new vegan line, Tesco’s launch of 18 new vegan products, or mainstay plant-based meat brands like Gardein, the options, just like consumers’ interest, are growing every day.
