Rising Cost of Meat Drives Shift Toward Plant Based Proteins in UK

The price of meat in British supermarkets has risen significantly compared to plant-based alternatives, with new data revealing that the growing gap between the cost of meat and that of beans and pulses is reshaping national eating habits. Market intelligence from Euromonitor indicates that while the prices of plant proteins such as beans, lentils, and tofu have remained remarkably stable, meat prices have soared, reflecting ongoing structural, economic, and environmental pressures.

Between 2020 and 2025, the average price of meat increased by £3.31 per kilogram, reaching £11.38, with the steepest rises recorded for red meats. Beef prices have nearly doubled in the period, and lamb has risen by £5.77 per kilogram. In contrast, fresh pulses have seen only a modest 45 pence per kilogram increase over the same five years. Analysis by climate campaign group Madre Brava demonstrates the widening gap, with the price difference between a kilogram of beef and pulses stretching from £6.58 in 2020 to £10.54 in 2025. This trend suggests that plant proteins offer a more accessible means for families to meet their dietary needs at a lower cost.

Supermarket data show the economic pressures are not solely a result of consumer demand, but also arise from external factors affecting supply. Unprecedented heat and drought have damaged grass crops, necessitating the purchase of expensive feed. Rising disease prevalence in livestock, notably bluetongue virus and bird flu, has further reduced supply and led to higher prices for beef and poultry.

The effects of climate change, international conflicts, pandemic aftershocks, and Brexit complications are recognised as contributors to the tightening meat supply and rising costs. Livestock farmers have also contended with high input costs, reduced cattle numbers, and challenging weather conditions. These price drivers are not expected to abate in the immediate future, implying the cost gap may continue to increase.

This financial pressure is manifest in changing consumer behaviour. Retail volumes of fresh meat in 2025 have dipped below pre-pandemic figures and processed meat sales are declining. Meanwhile, the rising price of beef has driven some customers towards pork, with pork mince sales up by 16 per cent in the past year. By contrast, consumption of beans and pulses is rising after years of stagnation, suggesting that more shoppers are turning to alternative protein sources.

Plant-based protein options are also becoming more competitive in the convenience sector. Supermarkets now stock plant-based versions of popular meat products, which often cost less than their meat counterparts. For instance, plant-based chicken Kyiv is now frequently priced below the original in major chains such as Tesco and Aldi, and tofu prices have fallen relative to traditional meats.

Nutritionists and campaigners suggest that this shift brings potential public health benefits. Current surveys show that the overwhelming majority of adults do not consume the recommended daily fibre intake. An increase in consumption of pulses and beans could help address this shortfall, reducing risks of heart disease and cancer associated with low fibre diets.

The broader implication of sustained high meat prices is a fundamental change in British diets, with alternative proteins gaining increased prominence and offering cost-effective, nutritionally beneficial options at a time when consumers are seeking value and resilience in a volatile market.