The landscape of dining at quick-service restaurants across the UK is changing, as new data from Vita Mojo—an innovator in restaurant technology—reveals striking shifts in consumer preferences for 2024. By analyzing over 139 million individual menu orders and 9.8 million meal deals across popular chains like Leon, Gail’s, Wasabi, Yo!, Wenzel’s, and Subway, the findings paint a clear picture of a plant-based food revolution.
Surge in Vegan Orders
Instead of a decline in interest for vegan choices, the statistics indicate a dramatic 56% rise in vegan orders this year. Vegetarian offerings aren’t trailing far behind, either; they’ve seen a remarkable 64% increase. This trend underscores the strong and growing appetite for plant-based meals among customers in the UK.
Commitment to Sustainability
In addition to the surge in vegan options, a noteworthy trend is taking hold: the use of reusable coffee cups has climbed by an impressive 111%. This rising figure points to an increasing consumer commitment to sustainability and the reduction of single-use plastic waste.
Demographic Shifts
At the onset of 2024, research highlighted that the vegan population in the UK has reached 2.5 million—an impressive jump of 1.1 million from just the previous year. That statistic translates to about 4.7% of the adult population, with younger cohorts like Generation Z and Millennials leading the charge towards eliminating animal products from their diets.
Further reinforcing this trend, the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), the largest airport authority in the UK, recently reported significant sales growth for vegan and dairy-free products across its dining establishments. Vegan breakfasts and brunches enjoyed a 20% increase in sales, while dairy alternatives like plant-based milk saw a 10% rise.
Interestingly, a prior study indicated that 40% of British consumers are actively on the lookout for plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy. Between 2012 and 2022, the per capita meat consumption in the UK fell by 14%, reaching the lowest levels since the 1970s.
Nick Popovici, CEO of Vita Mojo, commented on these trends: the 2024 data showcases a robust demand for both health-conscious and plant-based meals, juxtaposed with a growing desire for comfort food during lunch breaks. Additionally, the spike in reusable cup usage signals a strong shift toward sustainability in quick-service dining choices.
In summary, the increasing popularity of vegan and plant-based options in UK quick-service restaurants signifies a larger movement toward healthier eating habits and environmental responsibility among consumers, particularly younger generations.
Source: Vegconomist