New data revealed that meat eaters saved £6.7 billion last year by cutting down on their meat consumption.
It is estimated that over 12 million meat eaters decided to eat less pork, beef, lamb and chicken in 2019. By doing so, they saved themselves roughly £550 each.
The research of 2,000 adults commissioned by the vegetarian brand Linda McCartney’s revealed that 44% consider a meat-free lifestyle to be more affordable today than it was previously.
As for 2020, over a fifth intend to continue to reduce their meat intake even further or for the first time, if not stop eating meat completely.
The research found that 28% of meat eaters consider saving money as one of the biggest motivations for reducing their meat intake.
January is the month of Veganuary – a campaign to encourage people to switch to a vegan diet for a month.
Companies such as Greggs, Subway and KFC are catering for the switch to plant-based food by releasing vegan alternatives to their signature products.
“There can be a real misconception around the cost of eating meat-free,” Miguel Barclay, author of “One Pound Meals”, who has teamed up with Linda McCartney’s to share his advice for going meat-free at a reasonable price, provided a comment.
“However, this research proves that there is actually a lot of money that could be saved by making a veggie or vegan commitment,” Miguel Barclay continued.
“I believe in showing people how to make delicious, affordable food, and meat-free options are just the same; it doesn’t need to be expensive or fancy, to be satisfying and tasty.”
Miguel Barclay said: “The New Year is the perfect time to shake up your routine and try new things, so I’ll be sharing some of my favourite meat-free recipes.”
“All of these come in under £1, to encourage more people to get behind the meat-free movement this January, whatever your budget.”
Will you give it a go this year?