The popularity of plant-based eating is on the rise as more individuals recognize the health and environmental benefits of a diet that reduces or eliminates animal products. A survey by the Vegetarian Resource Group found that 7.3 million Americans are vegetarian and 1 million are vegan, increasing 600 percent since 2014. The restaurant industry has responded to the trend with a 66 percent growth in plant-based menus from 2014-2018, with sales of $3.4 billion in 2018. Major chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King, and Subway have recently introduced plant-based options. Even non-vegan restaurants are adding plant-based options to their menus.
How Plant-Based Eating Is Taking Over Restaurants Across the Nation
The Rise of Plant-Based Eating
Plant-based eating has been gaining popularity in recent years as more people become aware of the health and environmental benefits of a diet that excludes or reduces animal products. According to a survey by the Vegetarian Resource Group, 7.3 million Americans are vegetarian, while 1 million are vegan – a number that has grown by 600 percent since 2014.
This trend has not gone unnoticed by the restaurant industry, which has been quick to cater to this new demand. According to a report by the market research firm Mintel, plant-based menus have grown by 66 percent from 2014-2018, with sales of plant-based food reaching $3.4 billion in 2018.
Plant-Based Eating Goes Mainstream
Plant-based eating is no longer niche – it has gone mainstream. Major restaurant chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King, and Subway have all recently introduced plant-based options to their menu in response to customer demand. Even celebrity chefs are getting in on the trend – Gordon Ramsay has launched a plant-based burger in his restaurants, while Jamie Oliver recently released a vegetarian cookbook.
The Benefits of Plant-Based Eating
Plant-based eating has many benefits, both for individuals and the planet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases. Additionally, plant-based diets are more sustainable than diets that rely heavily on animal products. According to the United Nations, animal agriculture is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than the entire transportation sector combined.
Local Restaurants Embrace Plant-Based Eating
Local restaurants have also jumped on the plant-based bandwagon. In cities across the country, vegan and vegetarian restaurants are thriving, while even non-vegan restaurants are adding plant-based options to their menus. In Austin, Texas, Tacodeli – a popular taco chain – launched a plant-based menu in collaboration with The Vegan Nom, a local vegan food truck. Similarly, in Los Angeles, The Counter – a gourmet burger chain – has introduced a plant-based burger to its menu.
The Future of Plant-Based Eating
The future of plant-based eating looks bright. As more people become aware of the benefits of a plant-based diet, the demand for plant-based options will continue to grow. This trend is not limited to the United States – globally, plant-based diets are becoming more popular, with countries such as Australia and Germany seeing a rise in the number of vegetarians and vegans.
Restaurants that fail to cater to this new demand risk being left behind. As plant-based eating takes over restaurants across the nation, those that embrace this trend and offer innovative plant-based options on their menus will be the ones who succeed.