Introduction
In this article, I will put a personal twist on a common misconception of how the consumption of meat alternatives is contradictory and that if you do not want to eat meat why are you eating fake meat? The spike in demand for meat-free alternatives and plant-based options has grown abundantly. According to research conducted by the European Union’s Smart Protein Project 2020. The sales value has increased by 49% from 2018 to 2020 across. the whole of Europe.
The following European countries saw a plant-based sales value growth:
Austria: 57% – €82M
Belgium: 17% – €134M
Denmark: 29% – €30M
France: 21% – €355M
Germany: 97% – €817M
Netherlands: 50% – €291M
Poland: 62% – €43M
Romania: 56% – €21M
Spain: 48% – €448M
United Kingdom – 73% – €750M
Why have attitudes towards meat consumption changed
Equally, meat tastes good with its variety of textures and flavours as well as the nutrients it provides. I believe most people would agree a CLASSIC English fry-up could help cure even the worst of hangovers, me included in that.
However, as time has evolved more and more people are rethinking their meat consumption due to a variety of different reasons, each as valid as the rest. Resulting in a rise in the demand for meat alternatives > meat.
Some reasons include:
- Environmentally friendlier alternative
- Prefers the taste of them
- Ethical reasons
- Health Reasons
- Cultural reasons… some religions condemn the consumption of particular meats.
The consumption of meat alternatives lets everyone (who wishes to take part) in the collective experience of eating traditional meat-based dishes, whilst not compromising their internal desires to avoid/ not consume any meat. I don’t see anything wrong with that.
I am an advocate for just letting people eat what they want to eat. You Do You. As with anything in life I recommend everyone try a wide range of different diets, to see what works best for them.
Furthermore, if you’re curious about any diets, ensure to consult a dietitian and do your research before starting it.
Whether that be:
Carnivore – Only Meat
Pescatarian – Vegetarian diet + fish
Lacto Vegetarian – Only consumes dairy and plants
Ovo Vegetarian – Only consumes eggs and plants
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian – No Meat, consumes eggs, dairy and plants
Vegan – Strictly only plants
Conclusion
Meat alternatives are on the rise across Europe, with more and more people experimenting with their diets, for various different reasons, whether that be seeking environmentally friendlier alternatives, preferring the taste of meat alternatives, ethical reasons, health reasons and/or cultural reasons. This global change is significant and will be interesting to see how this develops in the future.
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