Rising Trends in Plant-Based Diets: A Global Shift

The growing adoption of plant-based diets and the surge in the availability of vegan products have become noteworthy trends in both Mexico and the global market. This shift is attributed to a combination of factors, including the recognition of health benefits, the escalating costs associated with animal-derived products, and a growing sense of environmental responsibility.

A study conducted by Nielsen, a global data analysis firm, highlighted Mexico as the top country in Latin America with the highest percentage of individuals preferring a plant-based diet. Notably, 9% of the surveyed population in Mexico self-identified as vegans. Additionally, 15% identified as flexitarians, and another 19% declared themselves vegetarians. Following Mexico in this classification, Brazil and Peru secured the second and third positions, respectively.

According to data from Statista, the predominant age group among Mexicans adhering to a plant-based diet is between 20 and 34 years old. Specifically, 30% belong to the 20-24 age group, and 23% fall within the 30-34 age range. 

A study by Stanford Medicine found that transitioning to a healthy vegan diet can result in significant improvements in cardiovascular health within just eight weeks. The study focused on 22 pairs of identical twins, which were separated in two groups. The first group followed a strict vegan diet, while the other maintained a healthy omnivorous diet. Ultimately, the twins on the vegan diet exhibited notable enhancements in cardiovascular health, including reduced levels of LDL cholesterol and insulin, as well as a significant loss in body weight compared to their counterparts consuming animal products.

Economic considerations also play a pivotal role in the adoption of plant-based diets. A market study conducted by ANPEC, revealed that there has been a notable increase in the price of certain animal-origin proteins, with a surge of almost 80% in recent months, as reported by MBN. Key products such as eggs experienced a rise of 53.75%, milk saw an increase of 59.58%, and both beef cutlets and chicken breast registered an equivalent uptick of 79.47%. Contrary to the common belief that being vegan is expensive, a plant-based diet comprising seasonal fruits and vegetables, in addition to protein-rich staples like lentils, chickpeas and beans, proves to be both beneficial for health and cost-effective.

In the realm of sustainability, data underscores the environmental impact of livestock farming, contributing to 15-18% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, according to an MPRA-published study. Furthermore, changes in land use, particularly deforestation for agriculture, are responsible for a significant portion of total carbon dioxide emissions, trailing only behind fossil fuel combustion, according to Richard Waite, Climate Policy Specialist, the World Resources Institute. “If people were to consume the soy products directly cultivated for feeding the animals that ultimately give us chicken wings and pork chops, there would be much less need for deforestation,” said Waite in a National Geographic interview. 

The growing adoption of plant-based diets has not escaped the attention of the food industry. Statista projects that revenues in the meat substitutes market will reach US$254 million this year, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.65% until 2028. At the global scale, Innova Market Insights data revealed 26% growth in the acceptance of innovative plant-based products in the food and beverage sector from October 2018 to September 2023, with Europe leading the way in product launches with a 41% share. Additionally, countries like the United States, Germany, and Brazil also appear at the forefront of embracing plant-based innovations, particularly in the dairy sector.

This article has been updated to reflect a change in the impact of livestock farming on anthropogenic GHG emissions.