Growing demand for veg-led foods that are rich in protein and fibre have put plant-based food back in growth for the first time in years as meat alternative shoppers look for more control over what they eat.
Latest market data from retail analysts Nielsen reveals that volume demand for chilled plant-based food grew by just under 1 per cent across UK supermarkets in the last year and has increased to 1.7 per cent in the last 12 weeks. (Nielsen Dec 28 2025).
The trend for natural plant-based foods is being noticed at Tesco which says shoppers are being more selective and looking for health benefits in the foods they buy.
And that trend has led to increased demand for high protein ingredients such as tofu and tempeh at Tesco which have seen growth of more than 10 per cent in the last year.
Other plant-based foods that have seen the strongest demand at Tesco in the last year include:
- Plant-based mince – demand up by nearly 25 per cent in the last year
- Plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh and seitan demand up by 12 per cent
- Snacking including falafels, picnic eggs and mini sausages and – demand up by more than 5 per cent per cent
Tesco plant-based food buyer Bethan Jones said:
“We are beginning to see the green shoots of recovery across the UK’s plant-based food sector, as a growing number of shoppers place long-term health and wellbeing at the centre of their food choices.
“Increasingly, the inclusion of vegetables and plant foods is being seen not as a passing preference, but as a fundamental part of how people expect to eat in the future.
“The plant-based movement emerged as the fastest-growing food trend of the late 20th century, fuelled by demand for meat alternatives and a heightened awareness of sustainability. However, economic pressures and the fading novelty of early experimentation among casual consumers meant that this rapid growth was difficult to maintain.
“Now, momentum is returning in a more grounded form. A growing micro-trend focused on whole-food plant proteins — including beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu and wholegrains — is helping to drive renewed sales, signalling a shift from short-term trend to lasting dietary change.”
The plant-based food revolution peaked during lockdown but since then shoppers have been more selective in what they buy, preferring to choose their own ingredients rather than go for ready-made options.
One brand that is helping boost growth in the UK plant-based market is Gosh! which uses only 100 per cent natural products in its foods. The company’s hero product, Moroccan Falafel has seen 6 per cent volume growth over the last 52 weeks.
Gosh! Marketing Director Caroline Hughes said:
“As more people eat their way to happier, healthier lifestyles by adding more plants to their plates, it’s no surprise that more natural products are helping to reignite category growth.
Shoppers are looking for whole foods that are genuinely healthy, with no hidden nasties, and that supports their overall wellbeing.”
The Vegan Society CEO, Libby Peppiatt, welcomed the news, saying:
“These figures are positive and show that veganism is in good health.
“Whether consumers are driven by animal welfare, dietary, environmental or simply cost of living concerns, a vegan or plant-based lifestyle is an all-round win.”
Comments are closed.