Nearly 25% of Americans Have Cut Back on Eating Meat
Environmental concerns, personal health, and animal welfare are among the reasons why people are making the change.
Credit: Impossible Foods
Almost one in four Americans are eating less meat than ever before for the sake of their health and the planet, according to research conducted by Gallup.
Last September, the data analytics company held telephone interviews with 2,431 American adults. 23 percent of participants reported eating less meat over the past 12 months.
According to the poll, certain demographics are more likely than others to cut back on eating meat:
Women are nearly twice as likely to reduce their meat intake.
Nonwhites have reduced meat consumption at a higher rate than whites.
Residents of cities and suburbs are more likely to cut back on meat than those in rural areas.
Why are people eating less meat?
Based on Gallup’s research, the primary motivator for ditching meat is personal health, with seventy percent of participants citing health reasons. Sixty-nine percent of respondents report concern for the planet as a major reason for reducing meat consumption.
After health and environmental concerns, animal welfare, food safety, and peer influence are the most popular reasons for eating less meat.
From loss of biodiversity to placing strain on land and water resources, meat consumption is a major contributor to environmental problems. Last year, the UN reported that global meat consumption must fall to help fight climate change.
According to the Planetary Health Diet, when it comes to our personal health and the health of our planet, reducing meat consumption is vital.
How are Americans cutting back on meat?
According to Gallup’s study, the most common way to cut back on eating meat is to have smaller portions of it. Another popular method is to substitute meat with vegetables or to remove meat entirely.
Over a third of meat-reducing Americans say they buy and consume meat alternatives such as plant-based burgers and sausages. The popularity of plant-based meats has soared recently, with sales reaching $946.6 million in 2019 - 10.2 percent higher than the previous year.
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