UK Plant-Based Meat Market Overview, 2026

The United Kingdom is one of the largest meat-eating countries in the world. About 86% of the population consumes meat in their daily diet. The rise in the number of diseases like cardiovascular, cancer, and obesity is paving the way for plant-based meat in the UK. Taste plays a pivotal role in convincing meat eaters to turn vegan, even if they consume it once or twice a week. Price is another restraining factor, as the gap between traditional and nontraditional meats is high. However, with a rise in demand and supply, this gap will be filled up very soon. Major retailers are also venturing into developing their own small labels for animal-free meats in the country. The plant-based meat movement is led forward by the rapid demands of the younger generation.

According to the report title “United Kingdom (UK) Plant-based Meat Market Overview, 2026” the plant-based meat market in the United Kingdom is estimated to grow by over 12% during the forecast period ending 2026. The market grew historically by 146%, which is slower when compared to Germany’s growth during the same period. Due to health consciousness and environmental friendly many people are attracted to and shift towards plant-based meat. The pandemic has also led to a rise in plant-based meat. Soy is a widely used and more convenient source of plant-based meat. After soy, wheat is also the most preferred crop and it has a market share of over 25%. Consumers also demand for high protein ingredients sources like pea and other grains like quinoa, oats, beans, nuts and other types of as the main source for plant based meat products. Sausages and burger patties form more than 60% of the plant-based meat market in the UK. Pork plant based meat is the most consumed plant meat in the UK. The retail sector in the UK is much more developed than some other countries. Consumers in the UK are aware of consuming home-cooked meals that are plant-based, which means the healthiest option.

Consumers' behaviour is changing and they are moving away from animal protein due to rising incidences of health diseases. In the United Kingdom, people are suffering from problems which are very serious in the present scenario, like obesity, diabetes, and heart-related issues or disease. This is due to their busy and stressful lifestyles and increasing junk food consumption due to its cheap cost. Due to this, veganism becomes more preferable. The increasing adaptation of plant-based meat will increase its growth in the future and also the share market of plant-based meat will increase by 2026. Growing concern regarding animal welfare and the emission of greenhouse gases created by the distinguished practises of the meat industry is dragging the market. Celebrity endorsements of vegan or vegetarian diets are projected to augment the demand for meat alternatives in the global market.

The launch of a new product by the manufacturer, similar to meat in terms of taste, texture, and colour, will lead to an increase in demand. Plant-based meat is popular in the hotel/restaurant/café (HORECA) industry.Many big companies want to join with or merge with fast-food joints and restaurant chains to promote the adoption of their products. For example, fast-food joints such as Burger King, McDonald’s, and Subway are launching new vegan meat products to capitalize on the industry dominated by health-conscious customers. Plant-based burgers have had steady growth during the coronavirus pandemic and will grow in the future as an alternative to animal meat. The low-gluten and low-fat contents of plant-based burgers make them a highly favoured product amongst health-conscious individuals.

The growing number of flexitarians in the UK is driving the market growth rather than vegans, who constitute just about a percent of the UK’s populace. The consumers' demand goes beyond chicken breasts and pork steaks to meat-free beef. There is a need for innovation in product development as there is a demand for it from consumers. Quality and taste are the essential factors for plant-based meat products. As the demand and supply of plant based meat will rise the prices will go down and so the purchasing power of the consumers. Some consumers are still reluctant to try out plant meats, fearing health issues over the quality of protein they provide. Companies need to be more transparent about the healthiness of the product, its quantity, and quality. The majority of the populace that are young are more attracted towards plant meat as they are always on the verge of trying out new food items.

Considered in this report

• Geography: United Kingdom
• Base year: 2020
• Estimated year: 2021
• Forecast year: 2026

Aspects covered in this report

• United Kingdom plant based meat products market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Five force models
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Source

• Soy
• Pea
• Wheat
• Others (Quinoa, oats, nuts etc.)

By types of meat products

• Burger Pattie
• Sausages
• Strips & Nuggets
• Meatballs
• Others

By Type

• Beef
• Chicken
• Pork
• Fish
• Other (Lamb, Turkey)

By End-User

• Retail
• HoReCa

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to plant based meat industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.