Three in ten people in Britain say they have reduced the amount of meat they eat in the past 12 months, and a further one in ten said they were considering reducing their meat intake or cutting meat completely, according to a survey commissioned by the Vegetarian Society
Three in ten people in Britain (29%) say they have reduced the amount of meat they eat in the past 12 months, according to new findings from NatCen’s British Social Attitudes survey. A further one in ten said they were considering reducing their meat intake or cutting meat out completely, according to questions commissioned by the Vegetarian Society. Nearly half (44%) of people either do not eat meat, have reduced the amount of meat they eat or are considering reducing the amount of meat they eat.
The analysis found that over a third of women (34%) and nearly a quarter (23%) of men had reduced their meat intake in the last year. Older people (65 to 79 year olds) were twice as likely to have reduced their meat consumption as 18 to 24 year olds.
'Health reasons' was by far the most common reason given for consuming less meat, cited by over half (58%) of people in this group. Other reasons for reducing meat consumption included 'saving money' (mentioned by 21% of people), concerns over animal welfare (mentioned by 20% of people), and concerns around food safety in relation to meat (mentioned by 19% of people). Around one in ten (11%) people in this group mentioned 'environmental concerns' as a reason for reducing their meat intake.
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Published Friday 19 February 2016
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
