Is COVID-19 driving more interest in plant-based diets?

How this pandemic is changing eating habits

By now, everyone is fully aware of just how much the COVID-19 pandemic has turned our world upside down. There’s been a lot of changes to take in within a short period of time. One of the emerging trends, from a food perspective, is a growing interest in plant-based diets. In June, research in the UK found that COVID-19 has made a vegan diet more appealing for 25% of people aged 21-30.

Here at Chatsfood we continue to love all foods, but it’s interesting to consider our dietary choices and make informed decisions. With that spirit of curiosity in mind, let’s take a look at some of the factors behind this.

Concerns about animal-borne diseases

It’s now widely accepted that the COVID-19 pandemic originated in the Wuhan wet market, raising concerns about the relationship between animal consumption and infectious diseases. COVID-19 is a ‘zoonotic disease’ – a disease spread between animals and humans. Other examples in recent years have included H1N1 and Ebola.
In particular, concerns relate to factory farming practices. The widespread use of antibiotics in industrial animal farming is also said to contribute to an increase in antibiotic-resistant infections in humans.

A general focus on health

In response to health scares, consumers are doing what they can to improve their own health. Increasing the focus on nutrition and eating more plants to get a wider variety of nutrients is one way people can feel more in control during the pandemic.

Concerns about meat processing work environments

Several clusters in Melbourne’s July COVID-19 outbreak were related to meat processing plants. This is a complicated situation combining the work environment and casual workers with limited financial security among other factors. But whatever the root cause, this is a factor that is causing some people to rethink their consumption of meat.

Supply issues

While this has not been so much of an issue in Australia, in other parts of the world, strict lockdown measures, combined with delays in the supply chain, have meant less meat available on supermarket shelves. With less meat available, people have reached for plant-based protein alternatives and in some cases, are finding that they prefer them. In addition, with stay home directives in place, the appeal of plant-based foods, particularly things like dried pulses is their long shelf life. Embracing these foods can reduce the need to go to the shops and limit the potential exposure to the virus.

Seeking lower cost options

COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on the financial stability of many people. In the quest to make the family food budget stretch further, many people are embracing plant-based options. A bag of pulses, like chickpeas, lentils or other dried beans, can provide a substantial, satisfying and nutritious meal for just a handful of cents per serve. And with more time at home, the longer cooking times of dried pulses may no longer be the turnoff it was a few months ago. For those who still aren’t keen to soak and simmer dried beans, tinned options are still a hip pocket friendly option too.