A meat-free lifestyle is the most popular among young people and people with higher education

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Every fifth person in Hungary follows some kind of diet, 16 percent of dieters identify themselves as vegetarians, and 4 percent as vegans, according to a representative, online questionnaire survey conducted by Pápai Hús Kft. in September 2022. The survey reveals that the younger a person is, the more typical is the consumption of vegan meat substitute, vegetarian and soy foods. The proportion of those who do not consume meat at all can be put at almost 5 percent, they primarily refer to the protection of animals and environmental awareness in connection with their decision. The results show that Hungarians are serious meat consumers. More than two-thirds of people have meat on their table several times a week, the largest proportion (66%) choose white meat, we eat red meat somewhat less often (39%). From this point of view, the older age group are big eaters, as the weekly meat consumption rate is high among those aged 50-65, while those aged 18-29 eat this type of food the least often. 43 percent of those surveyed usually observe a meat-free day, most of them opt for the occasional diet for financial reasons, while others for reasons of health and environmental awareness.

The vegan meat substitute products on the market are tempting

The awareness of vegan meat substitute products can be said to be general among Hungarians, since 9 out of 10 people already know about them, in fact, every third person has tasted this type of product, and 5 percent consume them regularly. Among those who have tried plant-based products, most have tried vegan burger patties (52%), vegan meat substitute balls (44%) and vegan hot dogs (36%). Every fourth person has tried cold meats, salami or sausage. – The results clearly show that the public is perhaps even more open to vegan food than expected. This certainly stems from curiosity, but also from what we at Pápai Hús sense, that domestic customers are becoming more and more aware. They pay more and more attention not only to quality, but also to keeping their ecological footprint as low as possible in the case of their nutrition. In addition to this, we also find that consumer demands are very high in this category as well, they are specifically looking for tasty, nutritious products that they can offer to anyone when they have a guest. – emphasized Péter Szappanos, managing director of Pápai Hús Kft. The evaluation of meat substitute products can be said to be particularly good, as the majority have already tasted a version that they found tasty. And it can be considered a very high rate that more than 20 percent of the respondents have tasted all the new products so far, and almost 40 percent considered most of the products tasted to be delicious. Many people said that the tasted vegan meat substitute products tasted so good that they could imagine switching to them: according to the survey, every second “taster” would replace animal meat with vegan meat substitute products. The demand for novelty is very typical among consumers of vegan meat substitute products. Those who regularly consume such a preparation, or have already tasted it, are more likely to try new food and pay more attention to quality ingredients. According to the research, even those who have not tried them at all, but only heard about them, are very open to vegan meat substitute products. Almost half of these people (46%) indicated that they would definitely give it a try.

They would decide to change their lifestyle for environmental, health and financial reasons

According to the research, young people and people with higher education are the most open to abandoning or reducing meat products. Those who already follow this lifestyle are primarily motivated by animal protection, environmental awareness, i.e. sustainability considerations. Among those who plan a meat-free lifestyle, almost 60 percent indicated health reasons, while financial considerations, i.e. saving, were highlighted by the respondents (43%). The research points out that, in general, the shift towards a more environmentally conscious and healthy lifestyle appears and becomes more important for more and more people. 40 percent of those surveyed pay attention to producing less garbage by consuming food. For quality ingredients nearly 40% watching, all of them look at the ingredients when buying, and every fourth and third person is willing to pay the price premium for healthy products.