Analysis revealed the cost of meat is rising far faster than plant-based alternatives, with experts saying it’s causing people to become vegetarians for price reasons
Skint Brits are going barmy for baked beans as the price of supermarket beef soars. Recent analysis has shown the cost of meat is rising far faster than plant-based alternatives.
And experts believe the hikes are fuelling a surge in people snapping up cheaper options like the tinned treat and turning more meat-eaters vegetarian. Market intelligence firm Euromonitor’s data shows the price of plant proteins such as beans, lentils and tofu has remained fairly stable.
But meat prices have surged due to structural, economic and environmental factors. Between 2020 and this year, the average price rose by £3.31 per kg to £11.38, with beef prices almost doubling and lamb has up by £5.77 per kg.
In contrast, the price of fresh pulses increased by 45 pence per kg over the same five-year period.
The price gap between a kilo of beef and a kilo of pulses has widened from £6.58 in 2020 to £10.54 this year, according to analysis by Madre Brava, which campaigns to help climate change by switching to plant diets.
Sara Ayech, the group’s UK director, said: “Meat is fast becoming unaffordable in the quantities we consume it. For hard-pressed UK families, this data suggests more plant proteins in the trolley could be a way to bring down the grocery bill, while still getting protein, and more fibre and less fat to boot.”
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, the chef and broadcaster, said: “I’m a big fan of adding beans and pulses to all kinds of meat dishes, especially stews, curries and meaty sauces. And it’s not to ‘bulk them out’ either. They both take up the sauce really well.”
The price of beef went up by 27% in the 12 months to October, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The rise was caused partly by farmers needing to buy feed after a dry spring and the hottest summer on record ruined grass crops.
Leighton Snelgrove, a cow farmer in East Sussex, said that the prices for beef had been “amazing” this year. She said: “You could sell a beastie for £1,500 or even £2,000.”
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