Vegetarianism More Popular Than Ever in the United Kingdom

New research released last week reveals that vegetarianism is more popular than ever in the United Kingdom. Research group Mintel announced new statistics to coincide with World Vegetarian Day, revealing that one in eight UK adults are now vegetarian or vegan. And that number increases to one in five for 16- to 24-year olds. According to Mintel’s Global Food Science Analyst Laura Jones, “As World Vegetarian Day arrives, our research highlights just how much of an impact vegetarianism has had on the UK food and drink market. Globally, the outlook for the meat alternative market is positive and will continue to be driven by an emerging consumer trend towards meat reduction on a part-time basis, also called flexitarianism.” The organization also said that the number of vegetarian products have doubled since 2009, with the meat-free market valued at more than $1 billion in 2013.