Tesco’s recent Christmas Report for 2024 has unveiled intriguing insights from a survey of 6,375 UK adults.
It turns out that more than 27% of those surveyed are either planning to serve or are contemplating meat-free main courses this festive season.
Growing Interest in Plant-Based Options
This growing interest in plant-based options mirrors a broader trend among consumers shifting towards more plant-centric diets.
Sales data from IRI/Circana highlights that products focusing on vegetables, pulses, nuts, and seeds now make up a whopping 40% of Tesco’s plant-based sales.
This year has seen a remarkable increase, with nearly 600,000 more veggie-based dishes sold compared to the same period last year.
Delicious Vegan Holiday Selections
In response to this rising demand, Tesco is prioritizing vegetable-led main dishes for the upcoming holiday festivities.
Shoppers can look forward to delicious vegan choices such as:
- The Finest Roasted Vegetable and Cranberry Star, featuring seasoned butternut squash and parsnips combined with cranberries and chestnuts, all wrapped in a flaky puff pastry adorned with festive stars.
- The Finest Butternut Wellington, a savory treat of flaky pastry stuffed with roasted butternut squash, coupled with seasoned vegetables and a decadent roast shallot and mushroom filling.
- Plant Chef Seeded Roasts with Roast Garlic & Port Gravy, a contemporary take on nut roasts, blending chestnuts, mushrooms, lentils, and kale into a delightful dish.
For those who still crave a traditional meat alternative, Tesco’s Plant Chef No-Turkey Crown offers a tasty solution.
In addition, a variety of flavorful vegetable side dishes will be on hand, including the Vegetable Dim Sum Collection, Plant Chef Aromatic Laksa Cones, and Crispy Mushroom Parcels with Nuoc Cham.
Commitment to Plant-Based Options
Tesco’s dedication to expanding its plant-based range was first highlighted at the beginning of last year, when the retailer emphasized its goal of providing healthier eating options for everyone.
Responding to changing dietary habits, Tesco significantly diversified its plant-based offerings for the 2023 holiday season, featuring an array of main courses, appetizers, and desserts.
Kicking off Veganuary in January 2024, Tesco introduced a lineup of new vegetable-centric products, such as Sweet Potato Katsu Style Curry, Bean Chilli & Mexican Style Rice, and Katsu Style Veggie Crispbakes.
In March, the retailer termed this moment “phase two of the plant-based revolution,” noting a rising interest in alternatives to fish, tofu, and tempeh.
Fay Hasnip, Tesco’s Plant-based Product Development Manager, underscores an unmistakable trend: both committed plant-based eaters and flexitarians are increasingly eager to explore their dietary choices while reducing meat consumption.
As a result, Tesco has curated one of its most impressive selections of plant-based holiday offerings, designed to please every guest gathered around the Christmas dinner table.
Source: Vegconomist