The meat of the matter: demographic characteristics, food-related concerns, perceptions and motivations associated with meat analogue consumption in the UK

Meat analogues (MAs), which mimic meat products, can potentially offer a healthier and more sustainable protein source. This study examined the socio-demographic, socio-economic, geographical characteristics, food-related concerns, and perceptions and motivations associated with MA consumption. Data from the Food and You 2 survey (2021–2024), ( n = 5796, UK) were analysed using binary logistic regression models and cluster analysis. We show that 31.7% of respondents currently consume MAs, 44.9% of respondents have never tried them, and 23.4% are lapsed consumers. We demonstrate that age, gender, diet, income, NS-SEC, urban/rural status, nation, presence of children in the household, and environmental and ethical concerns are associated with MA consumption behaviour. Further, perceptions of how healthy, environmentally friendly, and expensive MAs differ by consumption. The findings offer an evidence-base to inform the efforts for similar high-income countries in the sustainable protein transition.