Tesco Sees Revival In Demand For Plant-Based Food Items

Increased focus on health and natural ingredients is leading shoppers to increasingly opt for plant-based alternatives.

Chilled plant-based food items saw growth of approximately 1% in the UK in 2025, with 1.7% growth in the final twelve-weeks of the year, the retailer stated citing a recent Nielsen study.

Bethan Jones, plant-based food buyer at Tesco, said, “We are beginning to see the green shoots of recovery across the UK’s plant-based food sector, as a growing number of shoppers place long-term health and wellbeing at the centre of their food choices.”

Whole-Food Plant Proteins

Tesco noted that sales of high protein plant-based ingredients at its stores have increased significantly over the past year.

Plant-based mince recorded nearly 25% growth, while protein sources such as tofu, tempeh and seitan increased by 12%.

Ready-made snack options, including falafel, picnic eggs and sausages, grew by more than 5%.

Jones, added, “A growing micro-trend focused on whole-food plant proteins – including beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu and wholegrains – is helping to drive renewed sales, signalling a shift from short-term trend to lasting dietary change.”

Renewed Growth

Tesco observed that shoppers’ increased focus on healthy nutrition is driving growth in plant-based foods.

Jones, said, “The plant-based movement emerged as the fastest-growing food trend of the late 20th century, fuelled by demand for meat alternatives and a heightened awareness of sustainability.

“However, economic pressures and the fading novelty of early experimentation among casual consumers meant that this rapid growth was difficult to maintain.”

The retailer also highlighted the brand Gosh!, which it said is helping boost growth in the UK plant-based market.

Moroccan Falafel produced by Gosh! grew by 6% over the past year.

Caroline Hughes, marketing director at Gosh!, commented, “Shoppers are looking for whole foods that are genuinely healthy, with no hidden nasties, and that supports their overall wellbeing.”

Libby Peppiatt, CEO of The Vegan Society, said, “These figures are positive and show that veganism is in good health.”